603 fan clutch part question

[JHZR2]

In my 93 300d, I’ve started to see creeping up temperatures when doing a lot of stop and go with AC on, in traffic.

I’m not 100% if the aux fans work right.

I believe from testing that the fan clutch is no good. I suspect I could refill it, and might go that route, but would like to know all my options…

I’ve seen 603 fan clutches, and I’ve seen 606 clutches. I’ve read that the 606 fan itself is an upgrade, but I’m not really looking for upgrades here, just a working clutch so temperatures don’t creep high in stop and go highway traffic.

Will a 606 clutch bolt on to a 603 fan, allowing in OE install of the 606 clutch part? The 606 clutch looks to be about half the price.

Thanks!

[treetops]

Not sure. Quick look at the sponsors listings and the fan clutches are about the same price for either car. The screw/bolt for either is also the same part #.

The process to replace the fan clutch is not hard but small hands, pulley holder(local parts store type) and remember the screw/bolt is reversed threaded-righty loosey helps. If you can, wear gloves or the backs of your hands will get cut up on the radiator fins.

I’ve been fanless on my 606 but not the 603 bc of overheating can lead to a cracks in the head. I think that’s the same issue on the 602 as well.

[treetops]

Sorry a closer look and yes the fan clutch listed for a 93 300D is a 606 part#.

[83w126]

The cheapest 606 fan and fan clutch on amazon worked fine on the 300SDL I had for several years (and was sitll fine when I sold it). The 606 clutch does not fit the metal 603 fan, the bolts are the same except the 603 bolts are a little longer.

You will need this ratchet and the socket from the dealer: https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/sockets-ratchets/14-in-38-in-drive-long-reach-dual-flex-head-ratchet-67994.html

This socket set will also work: https://www.amazon.com/Titan-Tools-16141-Profile-Stubby/dp/B005CGZOBW/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=low+profile+socket&qid=1651039222&sr=8-8

[vstech]

How close is the radiator in the 93? Mine had lots of room once the shroud was removed. Before confirming the clutch, I’d pull the radiator and clean out the debris on it, and the ac condenser.

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted by 83w126

The cheapest 606 fan and fan clutch on amazon worked fine on the 300SDL I had for several years (and was sitll fine when I sold it). The 606 clutch does not fit the metal 603 fan, the bolts are the same except the 603 bolts are a little longer.

You will need this ratchet and the socket from the dealer: https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/sockets-ratchets/14-in-38-in-drive-long-reach-dual-flex-head-ratchet-67994.html

This socket set will also work: https://www.amazon.com/Titan-Tools-16141-Profile-Stubby/dp/B005CGZOBW/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=low+profile+socket&qid=1651039222&sr=8-8

I’m a bit confused by this. How is the 606 part appropriate for the 603 but doesn’t fit the metal fan? My cars have metal fans…

So is the only solution then to buy a plastic fan along with the clutch as a permanent solution? Or can shorter bolts be used to connect the metal fan to the 606 clutch and then all is well?

Just generally don’t want to get too invested in a 606 clutch if there is another way… or know what my actual bill of goods is so that I don’t buy one item then need to go buy another to make it work.

Thanks!

[83w126]

You can buy the 603 clutch, or 606 clutch and plastic fan, either way works. The plastc fan is lighter and moves more air, so seems like a reasonable upgrade.

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted by 83w126

You can buy the 603 clutch, or 606 clutch and plastic fan, either way works. The plastc fan is lighter and moves more air, so seems like a reasonable upgrade.

Thanks. Perhaps a dumb question, but does all this pertain similarly to the 602?

Thanks!

[83w126]

I haven't owned a 602 but I think so, yes.

[jay_bob]

Yes the 606 fan clutch with the associated 606 series plastic fan works great on a 603, did that upgrade on my 87 300TD when I had it.

[bigpanda16]

The early 606 used a 603 part number clutch with an intermediate fan(plastic but same number of blades as the old 603 fans) the 98/99 606.962 plastic fan with more blades is the one to upgrade to.