Running without a fan in the winter? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Zackb911 · #1 01-11-2006, 01:46 PM

I finally have my new radiator in and the car running again after my fan blade killed my last radiator. Anyway I have yet to find a proper replacement fan and I want to know if there is any harm that can be done by running without a fan during winter time? The fan I need has 9 blades and 3 bolt holes to attach it to the fan clutch if anyone has one

Zack

I ran it this morning upto temp and had no apparant issues...

boneheaddoctor · #2 01-11-2006, 02:03 PM

get stuck in traffic and you wil lfind out......you need that fan year round.

#3 01-11-2006, 02:36 PM

I have been pulling off my fan for the last 3 winters. I watch the weather and only pull it if the average daily high is going to be below 65*f for quite a long time. If the air temps get any higher, the natural ariflow won't cool enough.

It rarely gets over 82*c right now except when I go west on I-70 into the mountains.

boneheaddoctor · #4 01-11-2006, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ForcedInduction

I have been pulling off my fan for the last 3 winters. I watch the weather and only pull it if the average daily high is going to be below 65*f for quite a long time. If the air temps get any higher, the natural ariflow won't cool enough.

It rarely gets over 82*c right now except when I go west on I-70 into the mountains.

yeah but do you ever get caught up in east coast style stop and go traffic? Winter or not the temp s will soar with nothing to draw air across the radiator stopped in traffic. I've done the electric fan conversion before.....so I've been in this situation before.

dieseldiehard · #5 01-11-2006, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ForcedInduction

I have been pulling off my fan for the last 3 winters. I watch the weather and only pull it if the average daily high is going to be below 65*f for quite a long time. If the air temps get any higher, the natural ariflow won't cool enough.

It rarely gets over 82*c right now except when I go west on I-70 into the mountains.

On a 123 chassis is easy to remove the fan but NOT SO in that 350SDL. Just try it sometime. Big difference in cars here! Lets say apples and grapefruit.

That aluminum head on a 350SDL is probably worth more than forcedinduction's 240D and runs hotter than any of the forged iron heads in the 123's so why suggest removing the fan in the winter on a 350SDL is beyond me!

Just buy a fan and get it on and be done with it!

t walgamuth · #6 01-11-2006, 07:29 PM

but the question is will it hurt? and the answer is not unless you let it get hot. i prob wouldnt risk it either but he is looking for a fan and prob will be ok til he finds one.

if it gets warm turn on the heater full blast and then if that doesnt work turn it off.

tom w

didget69 · #7 01-11-2006, 07:58 PM

I just found fan blade new for @ $160;fan clutch for @ $250 -

Please, for the sake of your car's engine, pay the money now & be done with it - it's not worth taking a chance on it!

And why has ForcedInduction been pulling the fan off for 3 winters??

Sounds like they stuff I used to do as a teenager 25+ years ago...

bnc

MB-Owner-in-ind · #8 01-11-2006, 09:11 PM

My car, the other day when it was about 40 out, warmed up to 80c and then I left it idle with the heater on and it went down to 60c. These engine don't put out much heat without really using the engine. Last winter I started the car up and let it run for a half hour with the heater on and below freezing out. It never got above the first mark.

I guess if you watch the gauge you will be OK during these cold months.

boneheaddoctor · #9 01-11-2006, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MB-Owner-in-ind

My car, the other day when it was about 40 out, warmed up to 80c and then I left it idle with the heater on and it went down to 60c. These engine don't put out much heat without really using the engine. Last winter I started the car up and let it run for a half hour with the heater on and below freezing out. It never got above the first mark.

I guess if you watch the gauge you will be OK during these cold months.

but you have a fan don't you?

84300DT · #10 01-11-2006, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zackb911

I finally have my new radiator in and the car running again after my fan blade killed my last radiator. Anyway I have yet to find a proper replacement fan and I want to know if there is any harm that can be done by running without a fan during winter time? The fan I need has 9 blades and 3 bolt holes to attach it to the fan clutch if anyone has one

Zack

I ran it this morning upto temp and had no apparant issues...

ahh south shore huh? it has not exactly been cold these days .. but as some others have said in traffic it may be an issue. there was a junk yard out by 495 somewhere i remember. maybe you can search here and find the post.
another member has a connection there. member handle stevelewis i think.

prolly on the highway you won't have a problem due to the ambient temps this time of year.
go pats!

kerry · #11 01-12-2006, 10:05 AM

If it doesn't overheat, it won't do any harm. So if you're prepared to keep a close eye on the temperature gauge, no problem.
Another alternative,if you have an auxilliary electric fan is to temporarily hot wire it or put in a manual switch and it can take the place of the mechanical fan.