PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post - Removing viscous fan to reduce engine load

w123fanman · #20 05-09-2015, 03:14 AM

I'm working on converting my brother's w116 300SD to an electric fan set up. Installed a beefier 150 amp alternator, a Volvo electric fan, upgraded the main ground and charge cables.The grounds on older Mercedes, at least the W116 and W123, are somewhat pathetic. I have to now install a keyed relay and drill and tap a sensor bung to add a Porsche temperature switch to run high and low speed. We are also going to install a set of pusher fans from my 190E 2.6 parts car to further increase the cooling capacity as we are also installing dual parallel flow condensers to go with the Sanden compressor kit that we also installing.

This set up will cool probably just as well or better than the original set up and is much quieter. The total cost, including the upgraded alternator (which will also be used to run a decent sound system, no trunk rattling though) and the tap and drill bit that we bought which will be used on other cars, is about $270, while just a new fan clutch for a OM617 is $250. Unfortunately, the Volvo fan doesn't fit with my 190D or 190E 2.6.

As for none of this being stock: I really don't care. The install needs some cleaning up but looks pretty decent. It's not a concours car, just a nice weekender. I know Mercedes probably put a lot of thought into all of this but they sold us cars with 55 amp alternators, GM H4 compressors, Chrysler automatic climate control units, air filter housing brackets that seem to always snap, window regulators that warp, and rear seat horsehair pads that are prone to disintegrating. That's just a few of the issues on the W116. The 190E 2.6 has some of those issues fixed but has a belt tensioner design from hell. Wouldn't be so bad on the W124 or W126 with the M103 but the W201 really didn't have enough space for an I6. These cars are brilliantly engineered but have their faults. Mercedes is constantly improving parts for vehicles, sometimes even older ones. For example, Classic Center sells an improved version of the flush mount lug bolts to decrease the chance of the lug bolt snapping. I'm sure I'm not the only one here who has had to have lug bolts drilled out. I think that it is in the German spirit of these cars to improve poor designs. Th fan clutch design really isn't a poor one but it can be improved upon with some of these cars.