Newer MB 600 watt electrical fan in a m103 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

lsmalley · #1 07-08-2018, 03:53 PM

So I am close to having this project completed. I did a test to run the fan on the stock connectors and I need to beef everything up. I'm thinking of wiring it up on it's own circuit and just attaching it to the temp switch. Does anyone happen to have a wiring diagram for the fan for a w203 or I guess any of the models that have the Temic fan controller?

tjts1 · #2 07-08-2018, 07:10 PM

M4/7
http://benzbits.com/w203/FrontSAMWiring.pdf

sixto · #3 07-08-2018, 08:40 PM

Not cheap but installation looks easy - https://www.amazon.com/Derale-16795-PWM-Fan-Controller/dp/B00N0N75TI

How about a simpler Volvo two-relay controller with low speed for AC (existing aux fan trigger) and high speed over a coolant setpoint?

Is your alternator up for an extra 20 amps while idling?

Sixto
98 E320s sedan and wagon
02 C320 wagon

lsmalley · #4 07-08-2018, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sixto

Not cheap but installation looks easy - https://www.amazon.com/Derale-16795-PWM-Fan-Controller/dp/B00N0N75TI

How about a simpler Volvo two-relay controller with low speed for AC (existing aux fan trigger) and high speed over a coolant setpoint?

Is your alternator up for an extra 20 amps while idling?

I've had this fa for a good 2 years already and it's output seems comparable to a viscous fan that is engaged at about 2500 - 3000 rpm. I actually don't care so much about settings and controllers or whatnot, just want the fan to turn on when temp gets to a certain point. If I knew a bit more about how this fan functioned I'd just cut off the controller and wire it in so that it comes on when temp is 91C (existing temp switch) and when the ac turns on, that's it.

tjts1 · #5 07-08-2018, 10:35 PM

So just do that. It's not complicated.

Jorn · #6 07-08-2018, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sixto

Not cheap but installation looks easy - https://www.amazon.com/Derale-16795-PWM-Fan-Controller/dp/B00N0N75TI

How about a simpler Volvo two-relay controller with low speed for AC (existing aux fan trigger) and high speed over a coolant setpoint?

Is your alternator up for an extra 20 amps while idling?

Sixto
98 E320s sedan and wagon
02 C320 wagon

Was wandering about the Volvo two relay controller for our cars, that's what I installed in my Volvo 780 when I converted to an electric fan. I hooked it up directly to the radiator as that's where the switch is. Worked like a charm.

Volvo 240 owners use the switch from a Saab 900, that's installed by cutting the upper coolant hose. Some Jaguar XJ owners use the same switch.

duxthe1 · #7 07-08-2018, 11:14 PM

That specific fan isn't easy to control. It has 8 speeds and is controlled by a 3volt plusewidth signal. 10% PWM = off, 20% = first speed, 30% 2nd speed, ect until 90% =100 % fan speed.

I built this fan into a 124 fan shroud and use my PCS trans controller to provide the PWM signal v/s coolant temp. It works really, really well. The temp needle never uncovers the top of the 8 on the 80C marking.

Buying a PWM standalone fan controller would be worth it to use the 600W fan. The viscous fan clutch setup on these cars is absolute crap.

lsmalley · #8 07-08-2018, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duxthe1

That specific fan isn't easy to control. It has 8 speeds and is controlled by a 3volt plusewidth signal. 10% PWM = off, 20% = first speed, 30% 2nd speed, ect until 90% =100 % fan speed.

I built this fan into a 124 fan shroud and use my PCS trans controller to provide the PWM signal v/s coolant temp. It works really, really well. The temp needle never uncovers the top of the 8 on the 80C marking.

Buying a PWM standalone fan controller would be worth it to use the 600W fan. The viscous fan clutch setup on these cars is absolute crap.

How did you do your set up? Also, is it possible to just wire in the fan to temp switch and a/c pressure switch and ditching the control unit? Do you know what the 4 wires are for? I know + is red and orange or brown is negative, but what is the black and white one and the blue and yellow one used for?

lsmalley · #9 07-08-2018, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjts1

So just do that. It's not complicated.

I am unsure if I can or if it would render the fan useless. Also, I need to figure out what I can wire it to. It has so much power I cooked a 12 gauge wire and had a 10 gauge smoldering on the negative side. I tested it with different fuses starting at 10 amps and worked my way up. It blew every fuse within a few seconds up to a massive 50 AMP fuse I had which seemed to do ok. So I think I may need to get a large 100 amp relay and some thick wires. I think the + and - wires on the fan are maybe 4 or 6 AWG

sixto · #10 07-09-2018, 12:44 AM

Grab the starter relay from an old Ford truck.

From what little I remember, p = i^2 r = v i. 600 Watts / 12V = 50 amps so your fuse experiment is right. Better get a 60 amp fuse in case the alternator can’t keep up on a hot day.

Bulk quality wire is available from any MB with the battery in the trunk or under the rear seat. The W140 has a variety of lengths with terminals from the distribution center in the passenger footwell.

Sixto
98 E320s sedan and wagon
02 C320 wagon

hs_300e · #11 07-10-2018, 09:44 AM

I've been wanting to do this for a while and have been researching the options. The following thread has some good info:
Monster electric cooling fan upgrade. long. w/photos. | Moparts Question and Answer | Moparts Forums

And there has been a controller made for this fan: http://ma-uav.com/FanControllerv3.html.
The discussion about the controller: http://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/1128594/1.html

lsmalley · #12 07-10-2018, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hs_300e

I've been wanting to do this for a while and have been researching the options. The following thread has some good info:
Monster electric cooling fan upgrade. long. w/photos. | Moparts Question and Answer | Moparts Forums

And there has been a controller made for this fan: Micro Autonomations.
The discussion about the controller: Now Available: Mercedes Fan Controller! | Moparts Hot Deals & New Products | Moparts Forums

This is it. So the thick + red wire and the thick - brown wire don't function unless 12v is put to the smaller black/white wire. That's what I needed to know. That makes it a little easier, now I believe I can wire that smaller one to the stock set up and wire the larger ones to thicker +/- posts.

lsmalley · #13 07-11-2018, 12:18 PM

I may be the first person that has fitted the newer my fan to a m103 engine. I will post pictures later.

w123fanman · #14 07-11-2018, 01:50 PM

Another iteration of the electric fan install on your 190E? I'm also still working on increasing cooling capacity, adding an oil cooler (stock 190D 2.5/300D 2.5) and trans cooler (Sienna) on my mom's car before I figure out something for mine.

lsmalley · #15 07-11-2018, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by w123fanman

Another iteration of the electric fan install on your 190E? I'm also still working on increasing cooling capacity, adding an oil cooler (stock 190D 2.5/300D 2.5) and trans cooler (Sienna) on my mom's car before I figure out something for mine.

Yes, but this time I was able to get the real deal. 600 watt MB from a w203.