I have yet to have my fan clutch activate on my 190D. It seems to spin very freely when the engine is hot or cold. I was planning on replacing it as the car gets to 85-90 deg pretty rapidly. However, the FSM says it shouldn't activate until the temp goes to 100. What would you guys recommend at this point? Is there a way to test the fan clutch?

Kevin
1979 240D manual
1984 190D manual

I believe the 190D 1984 has an electromagnetic clutch.. Put 12v. to it, see if it clicks.

http://catalog.worldpac.com/mercedesshop/sophio/wizard.jsp?partner=mercedesshop&clientid=catalog.mercedesshop&baseurl=http://catalog.peachparts.com/&cookieid=23714ZRIW23B02IOSA&year=1984&make=MB&model=190-D-001&category=G&part=Fan+Clutch

I'm sure someone has found a sensor replacement/work-around to turn it on at a lower temp.

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The Golden Rule

1984 300SD (bought new, sold it in 1988, bought it back 13 yrs. later)

I wish there was an easy way to retrofit one to the OM617.

check the wires. Mine the wires practically fell out of the plug & I had to re-solder them. mine's a 1984 190D as well

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1987 300TDT
1981 VW MKI Caddy 1.6 diesel, waiting on engine swap
1983 D-50 Power Ram 4x4 "Mitsubishi" 2.3 turbo diesel
assorted gas powered crap and motorcycles

RIP: 1984 300TDT, 1982 300TDT, 1984 190D 2.2, 1992 300D 2.5, 1987 300TDT, 1982 Maxima LD28, 1983 Maxima LD28, Isuzu C223 P'ups X3, 1983 Holiday Rambler 6.2 Banks turbo diesel, 1984 Winnebago LeSharo 2.1 TD, 1985 Allegro 6.5

The fan on my '84 has yet to activate as far as I can tell. Wires were unplugged when I brought it home, plugged them back in but I think perhaps the clutch is inop, have never seen or heard the fan act as if it were engaged. That said, other than last summer when towing my little fishing boat 150 miles through the mountains at 86 degrees ambient, the gauge never has been near the 100 mark.

Jim

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2005 C240 4matic wagon (daily driver)
87 190D - 225K (on loan)
85 190D - 312K (on loan)
2011 Subaru Legacy AWD (Wife's)

Quite frankly you want it to get to 85/90 rapidly. Thats why fan clutches were installed. Engaging at 100 C is well within the normal engine temp range. Throughout various threads I read people seem obsessed with getting these engines to run cooler than designed? The ideal is to get to normal STABLE engine temp as quickly as possibe for engine longevity and best economy and efficient heater operation. Stability of engine temperature is an indicator of cooling system efficiency. Varying 10 degrees throughout all seasons indicates a properly operating cooling system. Changing coolant every 2 years, checking the pressure cap and watching hoses is all preventative maintenence.

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81 300CD (sold) 1972 280 SEL 4.5 (sold) 1966 250 S 4 spd (sold) 1974 450 SL (sold) 86 BMW 325ES (sold), 1973 280C (sold) 1988 300 SE.

Absolutely; well said. Both of my 190d"s run consistantly at the 90+/- mark in warm weather, closer to mid 80's in our frigid winters. It appears to me that the radiator cooling capacity was well engineered, providing adequate cooling at speed in all but extremely hot weather, without the drag of the fan.

Jim

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2005 C240 4matic wagon (daily driver)
87 190D - 225K (on loan)
85 190D - 312K (on loan)
2011 Subaru Legacy AWD (Wife's)

Good points made about engine temp and efficiency. The om 601 reaches operating temperature so much faster than my 616. Probably just need to keep eye on the gauge but I like the idea of applying voltage to the clutch. Replies appreciated.

Kevin
1979 240D manual
1984 190D manual