OM602 Fan, Plastic or Metal, Which is best? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Oldwolf · #1 07-24-2009, 10:54 AM

So I'm getting ready to replace my fan clutch and have located one that will work on my OEM metal fan. Is there any significant performance advantage to making the change to the plastic fan/clutch combo on my 2.5L turbo?

Keeping the metal fan is the less costly way to go of course.

Thanks.

jt20 · #2 07-24-2009, 12:28 PM

my personal opinion on this issue:

metal fans extend a greater mass away from the axis of rotation allowing a much greater risk of being unbalanced. Logically, this imbalance should pose threats to whatever bearing surfaces are along this axis.

Oldwolf · #3 07-24-2009, 12:35 PM

That was a very smart answer! But is it worth another $150?

jt20 · #4 07-24-2009, 12:40 PM

thats funny...

its the one question I don't have an opinion on.

Oldwolf · #5 07-24-2009, 12:49 PM

This is the clutch I was looking to buy. Anyone order from these folks before?

Importec

ah-kay · #6 07-24-2009, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jt20

my personal opinion on this issue:

metal fans extend a greater mass away from the axis of rotation allowing a much greater risk of being unbalanced. Logically, this imbalance should pose threats to whatever bearing surfaces are along this axis.

This is like Ben Bernanke speaks. Say something as if nothing is spoken. I do not know whether I understand. Air flow depends on the diameter of the fan, speed of rotation. The pitch may make a difference but I am not a scientist. Personally, I think they should be compatible and I would evaluate it on price. My 2 cents.

jt20 · #7 07-24-2009, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oldwolf

That was a very smart answer! But is it worth another $150?

you meant the difference in the 2 clutches is $150?...

or buying a new fan is $150?....

jt20 · #8 07-24-2009, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ah-kay

This is like Ben Bernanke speaks. Say something as if nothing is spoken. I do not know whether I understand. Air flow depends on the diameter of the fan, speed of rotation. The pitch may make a difference but I am not a scientist. Personally, I think they should be compatible and I would evaluate it on price. My 2 cents.

punch a hole in a penny that is surrounded by plastic. Spin it @ 3000 rpm on a needle as its axis.

punch a hole in a sewer grate and spin it @ 3000 rpm on a needle as its axis.

which one needs to be more precisely balanced so that it doesn't destroy the needle? Which one has the greater chance of being unbalanced?

Bernanke, huh?

jt20 · #9 07-24-2009, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oldwolf

That was a very smart answer! But is it worth another $150?

no, you will never see me spend $150 if I don't have to.

Oldwolf · #10 07-24-2009, 01:41 PM

No, I mean I can get a clutch shipped for $110 from Importec and the clutch and fan for $160 from Peach (Sachs) and $300 from AutoHauz (Fichtel-Sachs). I don't quite understand the price discrepancies yet.

ah-kay · #11 07-24-2009, 02:14 PM

Honestly, I really do not understand the explanation, it is beyond me. My understanding is that clutch itself is metal, the fan can be plastic or metal. As for myself, I always pull one from Junk Yard for $15 or less, does not matter whether it is made of metal or plastic and pay with Plastic.

Oldwolf · #12 07-24-2009, 02:23 PM

The guy at Importec still has seven of these in stock.

He was telling me that the original MB part (Behr) actually comes from a plant in China.

In fact, most all the fan clutches you buy are from China these days so he says.

Oldwolf · #13 07-24-2009, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ah-kay

Honestly, I really do not understand the explanation, it is beyond me. My understanding is that clutch itself is metal, the fan can be plastic or metal. .

Do you mean my explanation or jt20's?

Quote:

Originally Posted by ah-kay

As for myself, I always pull one from Junk Yard for $15 or less, does not matter whether it is made of metal or plastic and pay with Plastic.

HaHa.