This afternoon I have installed a used fan clutch on my car (my old one was not coupling a whole lot). After about 3 minutes of idling I heard a sharp noise and piece of metal was lying under the car- it was that little strip of metal you can see accross the front of the clutch body. When I got that part from the junk jard I noticed it was rattling a little bit which I could not remember about my old one.
Obviously, I need to understand what does it do and can I leave the clutch run without it. I am really mad at myself for not placing this post BEFORE putting the whole thing back together...

That is the bimetallic strip that controls when the fan engages. Time to find another clutch, I wouldn't trust that one.

I was affraid it was going to be something like that and coming from ForcedInduction makes it final for me. Bitter medicine....

Oso,

Why did you replace the radiator fan clutch? I ask because my car is having a temp problem and I want to know if that is something that I should replace.
How difficult is it to replace?

There are two primary clues that your fan clutch needs replacing. The first of these is a marked increase in temperature, very particularly on hot days or after a long hard hot run, when the car is allowed to sit still (no wind) for a few minutes (like a stop light) immediately after producing heat. The second is if, with the engine SHUT DOWN, you can spin the fan with your hand and it freewheels or stops slowly, instead of stopping in less than 1-2 rotations with friction.

__________________


~Michael S.~
Past cars:

1986 300SDL
1987 300SDL
1982 240D
1982 300SD


Current:

1987 300SDL

Mine was not coupling properly. Make sure you check yours for that first before deciding that the clutch is at fault. Many other factors may be contributing to the overheating. This forum offers a lot of posts you may want to read on the subject of engines running hot.