Jim
A well written summary, summarising your thoughts; it was most needed and I see that you have actually agreed with me on a point
I'm fascinated by your VFCs not locking on the car at all - there is definitely something wrong and I can understand your frustration especially as mine operates more than satisfactory. I wonder if your aux fans were to be disconnected the VFC would eventually lock at all?
Are there differences is air flow/circulation between the 00 and 01? I also wonder if MB changed something internally such that less travel is required. This would mean a lock at lower temperatures.
My coolant sensor is around 6 months old and I've checked it's output R against the meter's display. At 80C it's within measurable error.
BMS testing. I'm quite happy to send my BMS over to you for comparison (and I take your point about the refractive index - as long as the test is a comparison, it's negligible) when I receive my new clutch. This will provide for extra info on your site too
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Little opening, high viscosity gel = little gel migration; little opening, low viscosity gel = more gel migration. Kind of a double edge sword.
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My only comment would be to consider that the fluid is also under significant 'pressure' from centrifugal force and so I suspect that this has some part to play too. Again, another horrible variable in the equation!
My summary so far.
1. My R129's VFC locks at 80C- 85C coolant temperature
2. I've refilled the clutch with 12,500CST silicone fluid and this may not be identical to the viscosity of the original fluid.
3. Due to the refill, the volume has certainly changed.
4. For the R129 or W140 chassis there is no 'tropical' VFC listed by Sachs
5. MB have NOT rolled out the suggested 'improved' E500/500E VFC MB PN: 119 200 01 22 to any other vehicle, EVER.
6. The BMS is probably manufactured by Kanthal (
www.kanthal.com) - awaiting confirmation and data sheets.
7. The MB part number on the BMS doesn't necessarily reference the BMS only. It's the whole assembly.
8. I will have a new VFC shortly to test.
9. My BMS has a subtle part number suffix difference - a missing A
Lea
edit 8-05-05
10. My plastic clutch cowl is removed