How to carry out replacement: Thermostat 280 SE, SEL (116.024, 116.025) Mercedes W116
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Change Mercedes W116 350 SE, SEL (116.028, 116.029) Thermostat yourself – manuals and video tutorials

How to change engine thermostat on MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class Saloon (W116) – replacement guide

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When to replace the Thermostat on your MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS
Recommended replacement interval for the part category Thermostat : 50000 km
Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class Saloon (W116) 280 SE, SEL (116.024, 116.025), MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class Saloon (W116) 280 SE, SEL (116.024, 116.025), MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class Saloon (W116) 280 S (116.020), MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class Saloon (W116) 280 S (116.020) … View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

This video shows the replacement procedure of a similar car part on another vehicle

All the parts you need to replace – Thermostat for S-Class Saloon (W116) and other MERCEDES-BENZ models
Alternative products
How to change Thermostat on Mercedes W116 280 SE, SEL (116.024, 116.025) – step-by-step instructions for straightforward car repair Thermostat
Tools
Replacement: engine thermostat – MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS (W116). Tools you might need:
Wire brush
All-purpose cleaning spray
Torque wrench
Combination spanner #10
Drive socket # 7
Drive socket # 8
Drive socket # 10
Ratchet wrench
Long nose pliers
Funnel
Fluid container
Fender cover
Buy tools
Replacement: engine thermostat – MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS (W116). AUTODOC recommends:
  • Check the condition of the coolant every time you replace the thermostat. Change the coolant if necessary.
  • Please note: all work on the car – MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS (W116) – should be done with the engine switched off.
Carry out replacement in the following order:
  1. Step 1
    Open the bonnet.
    Step 2
    Use a fender protection cover to prevent damaging paintwork and plastic parts of the car.
    Step 3
    Unscrew the coolant reservoir cap.
    Step 4
    Lift the car using a jack or place it over an inspection pit.
    Step 5
    Prepare a container for fluids.
    Step 6
    How to change Thermostat on Mercedes W116 1972 - free PDF and video manuals
    Open the coolant drain tap.
  2. Step 7
    How to replace MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class Saloon (W116) 280 SE, SEL (116.024, 116.025) 1973 Thermostat - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Drain the coolant from the engine.
    Replacement: engine thermostat – MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS (W116). AUTODOC experts recommend:
    All work should be done with the engine stopped.Wait until the coolant has completely flowed out of the drain hole.
  3. Step 8
    Close the coolant drain tap.
    Step 9
    Mercedes W116 280 S 2.8 (116.020) 1974 Thermostat replacement: free workshop manuals
    Loosen the clamp of the expansion tank hose. Use a drive socket #7. Use a ratchet wrench.
  4. Step 10
    Changing Thermostat on MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class Saloon (W116) 450 SE, SEL (116.032) 1975 by yourself
    Detach the expansion tank hose from the thermostat housing.
  5. Step 11
    How to remove MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS 450 SE, SEL (116.033) 1976 Thermostat - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Detach the coolant hose.
  6. Step 12
    How to replace Thermostat on MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class Saloon (W116) 1977: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Unscrew the thermostat housing fasteners. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench.
  7. Step 13
    How hard is it to do yourself: Thermostat replacement on Mercedes W116 280 SE, SEL (116.024, 116.025) 1978 - download illustrated guide
    Remove the fastening bolts.
  8. Step 14
    Need to know how to renew Thermostat on MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS 1979? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Remove the thermostat together with the housing.
    Replacement: engine thermostat – MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS (W116). Professionals recommend:
    Caution! Coolant may leak out of the coolant lines and thermostat housing.
  9. Step 15
    Changing of Thermostat on Mercedes W116 1980 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Clean the thermostat housing mounting seat. Use all-purpose cleaning spray.
  10. Step 16
    Clean the thermostat mounting seat. Use a wire brush. Use all-purpose cleaning spray.
    Step 17
    MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS 350 SE, SEL (116.028, 116.029) Thermostat replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Install a new thermostat.
  11. Step 18
    Replacing Thermostat on Mercedes W116 1973 280 SE, SEL (116.024, 116.025) by yourself
    Install the thermostat housing.
    Replacement: engine thermostat – MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS (W116). Tip from AUTODOC experts:
    Be sure to use a new O-ring when installing the sensor.
  12. Step 19
    S-Class Saloon (W116) 450 SE, SEL (116.033) 1974 Thermostat DIY replacement workshop manual
    Install the fastening bolts.
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