OM603 fan + clutch upgrade. 1987 300D - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

speedy300Dturbo · #1 08-27-2006, 04:42 AM

Hello everyone,

About a month ago I replaced the original fan clutch and 9-blade metal fan on my 1987 300D with a new fan clutch and 11-blade plastic fan from a W210 E300TD. The fan is an OE dealer part and the clutch is an ACM. Replacement is very straightforward (this is covered in extensive detail in the Shopforum archives) and the only new hardware you'll need are three bolts that mount the new plastic fan to the new clutch. The fan, fan clutch, and new bolts set me back about $120. Part numbers for everything you'll need are as follows:

11 blade fan: 606-200-01-23
Fan clutch: 606-200-01-22
Bolts (fan to fan clutch): N-914020-006017

Interestingly enough, the replacement fan for all OM603's is a 9-blade plastic fan (found on the non-turbo 606 motor) and that fan with its respective clutch costs more than twice as much as the turbo 606 counterparts! I can't say for sure, but I assume that the lightweight plastic fan with more blades cools better than the old heavy metal fan.

Driving impressions: Fortunately, when I did the upgrade about a month ago we were experiencing 100F degree ambient temperature in LA / Orange County. I'm happy to report that the car idling in traffic (with the AC on) did not see water temp above 90C. A better test was when I made a trip back / forth from the Bay Area to LA and headed up the dreaded Grapevine in 110F heat. I was able to maintain 70MPH with the AC on and water temp rose to 100C but did not go above that. Last summer with the original fan (the condition of the clutch was questionable though) water temp would rise to 115C and I'd switch off the AC and take the slow lane. Trying to maintain 70MPH on the Grapevine at that time would probably overheat the poor car.

Photos below:

Brian Carlton · #2 08-27-2006, 11:33 AM

Thanks for that info, Aaron. I need to do the exact same thing on the '86..........it's clutch is toast and it likes to run up to 100°C. every time I push the pedal past 1/2 way.

That's a very economical alternative to the extra costly 603 replacement. Probably due to quantities.........many more 606 clutches being produced than the 603.

My only question is whether the new clutch remains engaged more than desired.........can you hear it under normal operating conditions.......when the engine is typically at 90°C?

Jmana · #3 08-27-2006, 12:05 PM

I think I'll do this also. I think mine is gone, it has some resistance on it when cold, but after a long drive it seems to have none. Of course my aux fan is always on (I had to short it to get it to work at all) so maybe the radiator doesn't get hot enough to engage it. I guess either way it wouldn't hurt to replace it. Thanks for the info!

sixto · #4 08-27-2006, 01:12 PM

Thanks for the great info.

Would you expect the fan clutch to engage at freeway speeds and rpm? I don't know how to account for the temp drop in that case. Maybe the 11 blade fan lets air through more easily.

Sixto
93 300SD

Hit Man X · #5 08-27-2006, 01:30 PM

Don't forget guys, that M103 clutch works well too and is dirt cheap to obtain... it's what I've been running. And the 606 plastic fan. I also installed an M103 clutch on the old metal fan and it worked well too (still is)

Jmana · #6 08-27-2006, 06:49 PM

Can you let us know where you purchased these parts for $120? I looked up the part numbers you gave, but didn't come up with anything.

#7 08-27-2006, 08:20 PM

Same with the 617. The later 9-blade plastic fan and smaller waterpump pully is a great upgrade for any OM617.95x. I beliede even the non-turbo 617's and 616's can use it as well.

speedy300Dturbo · #8 08-28-2006, 03:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jmana

Can you let us know where you purchased these parts for $120? I looked up the part numbers you gave, but didn't come up with anything.

Phil at Fastlane should be able to get you a good deal on these parts.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ForcedInduction

Same with the 617. The later 9-blade plastic fan and smaller waterpump pully is a great upgrade for any OM617.95x. I beliede even the non-turbo 617's and 616's can use it as well.

FYI, the OM617 9-blade plastic fan and smaller pulley were found on 1985 models.

85chedeng300D · #9 08-28-2006, 11:49 AM

are the 606's fan clutch and blades are really usable in a w123--617's? is it a drop-in replacement ugrade without the need of any modifications especially on the radiator shroud? i would love to have that on mine. right now, for some reason, what i have on mine is a 116's sealed fan cluth and a 116's 9 blade aluminum, which i think is slipping/free-wheeling at high engine speeds and high temp because the clutch is old or maybe worn out and the aluminum blade is too heavy for the clutch to hold, but i cant refill the clutch beacuse it is sealed. the metal plate, spring and pin is not at all visible.

Hit Man X · #10 08-28-2006, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 85chedeng300D

are the 606's fan clutch and blades are really usable in a w123--617's? is it a drop-in replacement ugrade without the need of any modifications especially on the radiator shroud? i would love to have that on mine. right now, for some reason, what i have on mine is a 116's sealed fan cluth and a 116's 9 blade aluminum, which i think is slipping/free-wheeling at high engine speeds and high temp because the clutch is old or maybe worn out and the aluminum blade is too heavy for the clutch to hold, but i cant refill the clutch beacuse it is sealed. the metal plate, spring and pin is not at all visible.

No the 60X bolts with a single 8mm Allen, the 617 has the four 10mm to the water pump.

For the 617, look for the very late motors. My SD has from factory a plastic fan w/ clutch. Heck, I have an extra one if you're interested.

85chedeng300D · #11 08-28-2006, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hit Man X

No the 60X bolts with a single 8mm Allen, the 617 has the four 10mm to the water pump.

For the 617, look for the very late motors. My SD has from factory a plastic fan w/ clutch. Heck, I have an extra one if you're interested.

hey hitmanx, i am interested and i really appreciate your offer but just keep your extra one and you might need it in the future or for troubleshooting purposes.
if the 606 fan clutch won't work on the 123 water pump hub, is the 606 fan blade going to fit and mount on the 116 fan clutch that i already have?