Ditching the clutch fan - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

1980sd · #1 07-02-2011, 03:58 AM

Just run 2 efficient fans up front and call it a day...

oldsinner111 · #2 07-02-2011, 04:07 AM

I'm running one 16" fan. Been good 3 years.

leathermang · #3 07-02-2011, 07:52 AM

I think that is way short sighted..

You remember a member getting home from many states away after an electrical failure in his system.... he was only able to do that because he had the mechanical fan in place.... he would leave the car idling at night... while at motel....and drive all day with no problems not having electricity..... having only electrical fans takes away that option.... as unusual as big electrical failure is.... it is like not carrying a spare tire just because tires are so good these days...

oldsinner111 · #4 07-02-2011, 08:23 AM

Oh yeah forgot,wire the AC fan for backup should E Fan fail.I have mine this way.Fan clutches are $300,a E Fan $80.

leathermang · #5 07-02-2011, 08:31 AM

If fan clutches cost that much then I am surprised I have not seen a kit to replace that viscous clutch with the system on my 240d... bolted direct....noisy and not as fuel efficient...but works ALL the time and without electricity also..

Bob Albrecht · #6 07-02-2011, 03:11 PM

It is possible to refill the fan clutch with 10,000 cp oil used by model racers. It only costs a few bucks. but it will eventually leak out again if it leaked out once.

The clutch fan is a stupid design. I especially hate the price of a new clutch.

leathermang · #7 07-02-2011, 03:19 PM

There are threads in the archives on how to do that...

Stretch · #8 07-02-2011, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leathermang

I think that is way short sighted..

You remember a member getting home from many states away after an electrical failure in his system.... he was only able to do that because he had the mechanical fan in place.... he would leave the car idling at night... while at motel....and drive all day with no problems not having electricity..... having only electrical fans takes away that option.... as unusual as big electrical failure is.... it is like not carrying a spare tire just because tires are so good these days...

That depends on the ambient temperature. I estimate on my 300D the only time I needed a fan was in heavy traffic on a day with an ambient temperature of about 25 degrees C. If I kept moving the temperature gauge didn't move (once warmed up).

Here's an old thread about my concerns before I removed my fan:-

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=264626&page=2

leathermang · #9 07-02-2011, 03:55 PM

" IF I KEPT MOVING " certainly... but counting on not being in any traffic situations all the way home.... suspiciously optoMYSTIC....

aaa · #10 07-02-2011, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leathermang

If fan clutches cost that much then I am surprised I have not seen a kit to replace that viscous clutch with the system on my 240d... bolted direct....noisy and not as fuel efficient...but works ALL the time and without electricity also..

Kit? You just slap the 240d system on. Been there done that.

leathermang · #11 07-02-2011, 04:30 PM

Really ? I had heard it could not be done the other direction due to lengths... fluid to 240d... so the question is... does it move the fan back too far from the radiator cowl to be effective ?
Do you have pictures of yours ?

1980sd · #12 07-02-2011, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leathermang

I think that is way short sighted..

You remember a member getting home from many states away after an electrical failure in his system.... he was only able to do that because he had the mechanical fan in place.... he would leave the car idling at night... while at motel....and drive all day with no problems not having electricity..... having only electrical fans takes away that option.... as unusual as big electrical failure is.... it is like not carrying a spare tire just because tires are so good these days...

That makes sense. Did you stop drinking?

One of the things I like about diesels is the ability to run without anything but fuel...

sixto · #13 07-02-2011, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Albrecht

It is possible to refill the fan clutch with 10,000 cp oil used by model racers. It only costs a few bucks. but it will eventually leak out again if it leaked out once.

The clutch fan is a stupid design. I especially hate the price of a new clutch.

FWIW, silicone oil is used as differential fluid in RC cars.

Sixto
87 300D

aaa · #14 07-02-2011, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leathermang

Really ? I had heard it could not be done the other direction due to lengths... fluid to 240d... so the question is... does it move the fan back too far from the radiator cowl to be effective ?
Do you have pictures of yours ?

The 240d fan shroud works if you slice a chunk off of it.