M119 Viscous Fan mod & problems with aux. fan resistor-mod - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ke6dcj · #16 07-14-2002, 06:35 PM

I was all set in installing the SPAL dual 11-inch fans to replace the viscous, at a whopping 2700+ CFM. Clearance was a big problem, esp. since they share the same center-line.

Independent dual 11-inch fans could fit if they were offset to clear the pulleys. Figure on a max of 4.0-inches at the motor.

I opted for a 16-inch SPAL puller fan at 2380+ CFM, and installed it slightly off-center for better clearance in the factory shroud (pics to come), along with a Derale adjustable thermostat that uses standard 40-amp BOSCH/HELLA relays.

Works like a charm, and doesn't eat all the horsepower of the viscous fan.

:-) neil

PS: I was told a 600SL alternator at 140amps will fit (my next upgrade)

David Hendy · #17 07-15-2002, 04:56 PM

I thought that a V-8 like our cars have need between 3000-4000 cfm fans? Are two small fans better than one big one?

How did you mount the fan to the radiator?

ke6dcj · #18 07-15-2002, 06:00 PM

The single 16-inch SPAL is doing great, keeps the car between 85-90C on a 85F day at 30% humidity.

If you order a SPAL fan from BeCooling, they have come with a nice mounting kit that has metal arms with various mounting lengths.

To mount to the radiator, I used three of the factory holes on the radiator lip, and drilled one other.

Yes, two would be nice, but you do lose the factory shroud.

The single 16-inch is to keep the car cool in traffic. I also did the resistor mod so that also kicks in (I set mine for 100C) when its very hot.

:-) neil
1988 360TE AMG
1993 500E

JimF · #19 07-15-2002, 06:18 PM

Did you remove the original viscous fan in order to mount the new 16" fan in the shroud? I think that is a 'yes'!

So now you have the dual 'pusher' fans in the front and the new 'puller' fan behind the radiator?

Plus you added the resistor (1.7K?) to cut-in the aux fans at 100C.

Did I get that right?? Pics would be great.

JimF · #20 07-17-2002, 08:51 PM

Another question re the vis fan mod:is it possible to modify it to cut in at say 90C rather than 107C as it comes.

That would probably mean that the radiator was at 95C or so. Wouldn't that make a good comprimise? Worth some thought.

I wonder how hard it is to 'tune' that sucker!

David Hendy · #21 07-18-2002, 12:34 PM

Do you think our cars could stand a hit from two 24 amp fan motors? What strain would that put on the alternator? Would the alternator take significant hp to drive?

JimF · #22 07-18-2002, 05:26 PM

The two (2) aux fans draw 30amps on HIGH speed (around 18 amps on low), so sounds like 48 amps would tax most any system.

Michael · #23 07-18-2002, 08:44 PM

I regularly draw transient peaks near 100 amps, no problem. However, the battery in these cases acts as a capacitor, so unless it's optimally charged or in exceptional condition there are draw issues.

David, in your case I'd pop in a new OE alternator, perhaps consider a new battery then let's talk in 3 years or so

David Hendy · #24 07-18-2002, 11:19 PM

The 600Sl uses the same alternator as a 500E, 110 amp. All of the S class use a 143 amp alternator, which is probably a good upgrade at $295.

Kenlowe fans in the UK make a pair of 13" fans which are only 3" deep and 24" wide for the pair. They come with an installation kit that includes an adjustable dial in "temp control".

I had a pair of Kenlowe fans on a 420 TVR I had in the UK, they were great.

BongC36 · #25 08-09-2002, 11:51 AM

I was VERY concerned with engine temperature because my C36 used to see 95-115C. One time 120C! Although MB says this is normal, I just aint comfy seeing the needly so close to the red zone. Also, timing is retarded as the temps go up.

Changing thermostats, fan clutch and coolant did not help since, as Jim noted, the clutch on the engine fan engages only at 107C, which in reality meant seeing 110C+ on the gauge. Not good for my heart.

Luckily I recently found some SACHS 'tropicalized' fan clutches. These units lock up at a much lower temp than the stock ones. Now my temps ranges from 85-92C, in traffic or at speed, here in my hot country, with the stock 87C thermostats in place. Oh Joy!

SACHS Lufterkupplung #2100 006 243 , Made in Der Vaterland

Hope this helps.

ke6dcj · #26 08-09-2002, 12:03 PM

Thanks BongC36. I saw these for the M104/M103 engines, but not for the M119 engine.

BTW- how much was it?

:-) neil

BongC36 · #27 08-09-2002, 12:17 PM

Too bad Neil. They work like a charm for my 104. Perhaps the mounting can be modified to fit your M119?

They cost about USD 105 here, but ALL imported items are too expensive here. I noticed that these new tropicals are somewhat locked up when I shut off my engine when the gauge temp is 90C, so they are probably engaging somehere close to the thermostat setting of 87C. When the engine is cold they are freewheeling so no roar at all...

ItalianBenz · #28 08-09-2002, 09:30 PM

I bet It might work. Alot of mercedes fan clutches adapt and bolt up the same. I really would like to get rid of the coolant mod harness and try something else. I know for a fact if you install a V-12 fan clutch, they kick in sooner due to the fact of a biggger engine and all. One old tech told me that was a cure for some of the cars that constantly ran hot.

BongC36 · #29 08-10-2002, 01:30 AM

This to me is the simplest and most effective solution to our high temp concerns. It keeps the engine in the lower half of the allowable temperature range and does not require any modifications. Putting in a bigger fan or tricking it to run more often impacts on a lot of other things, problems which this clutch neatly sidesteps. I even had to install a manual switch for the Aux Fans before, so anxious was I.

need2speed · #30 08-10-2002, 11:45 PM

I do enjoy reading all this "tech talk" but has anyone actually experienced engine problems from overheating their M119 in routine driving??

Going down to Vegas the past few summers from my northern habitat, I was scared *****less about overheating. Synthetic oil and WaterWetter were administered and off we went. A week of over 100 degree weather and NO PROBLEMS.

BTW, something possibly unique occurs up here that CAN cause overheating...poplar tree fuzz clogged up the radiator on our ML320. Solved with a bit of window screening