How does one test a viscous radiator fan? - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

a2t · #31 05-20-2009, 08:45 PM

anyone want me to build the fan clutch tool? if there is a need for it, we can do it. www.gruvenparts.com.

target price?

email me paul@gruvenparts.com

rocketboy52 · #32 05-21-2009, 02:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mplafleur

I blocked the radiator of my SDL last night. I had a cooling system analyzer hooked up between the radiator and the engine. It has an inverted U channel for the coolant to flow with a thermometer and pressure meter.

Is the cooling system analyzer something you buy on the tool lease program at Autozone? Do you have a link for such a tool?

HoleshotHolset · #33 05-21-2009, 02:04 PM

Good thread!
Ever since I first test drove my '99 W210/OM606.962 a few weeks back - I've been thinking.... "Wow - that fan runs almost all the time...oh well - I'll deal with that at some point."

Engine coolant temp is just a shade above 80°C on the gauge (roughly 180°F...which sounds normal for a diesel...) and doesn't budge once up to temp....AND doesn't race there when its cold (suggesting bad head gasket or other issues...).

On a lot of domestic vehicles, the failure mode of a lot of thermostatic clutches is to engage it all the time...

Mine's engaged dang near all the time...every once in a while I can hear it cycle on/off while going down the highway. Most of the time - she's roaring!

It's funny to see how a lot of you have problems getting the thing to kick in...and I have the opposite issue with mine.

Cheers,

Matt

tisdale36 · #34 05-24-2009, 08:11 PM

How do you re-fill 603 clutch with new silicone oil?

gsxr · #35 05-24-2009, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tisdale36

How do you re-fill 603 clutch with new silicone oil?

Slowly & painfully. It's a major PITA, takes hours of heating it on the workbench with a propane torch, and letting the heating / cooling suck in the silicone. And if you put too much in there, the fan will run more than it should (i.e., it will be coupled when cold, which isn't good). There is a thread or two on the forum with details about the procedure, use the search function and you should be able to find them.

a2t · #36 05-26-2009, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gsxr

Slowly & painfully. It's a major PITA, takes hours of heating it on the workbench with a propane torch, and letting the heating / cooling suck in the silicone. And if you put too much in there, the fan will run more than it should (i.e., it will be coupled when cold, which isn't good). There is a thread or two on the forum with details about the procedure, use the search function and you should be able to find them.

see...i knew there was a reason i said just replace the thing ...im all for saving $100 but my time is worth something (i hope)

mplafleur · #37 05-27-2009, 01:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rocketboy52

Is the cooling system analyzer something you buy on the tool lease program at Autozone? Do you have a link for such a tool?

I acquired this years ago. I'll try and post a picture. I've never seen another like it.

Here you go...

badgator · #38 05-27-2009, 02:15 PM

2 years ago I went to the local hobby store.

Silicone oil for RC cars, Shocks?

In different cs was approx $7 bottle.

gsxr · #39 05-27-2009, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mplafleur

I acquired this years ago. I'll try and post a picture. I've never seen another like it.

Here you go...

Oh wow that thing is cool. Is there a brand name and/or part number on it somewhere? I want one!

mplafleur · #40 05-27-2009, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gsxr

Oh wow that thing is cool. Is there a brand name and/or part number on it somewhere? I want one!

I'll look for more info when I get home.

It has a flow meter on it. A smell side tube that has a ball in it that rises with flow and measures gallons per minute. The problem is, it never moved. Even at maximum flow. Netiher of my Benzes would make it budge. Our system is just not the same and I think our pumps are kind of weak, though they do the job. There is also a float for measuring specific gravity of the coolant so you can determine strength, but mine float is broken. I have a phone number written on the box that the float is in. Maybe I looked at one time about getting a replacement.