Hi everbody
I wonder whether it would be easily possible to upgrade my 1992 300TE's radiator with a 1992 400E radiator. When looking at pictures of both parts they seem pretty similar.The mounting kits are even identical. So I wonder whether the larger radiator might just fit in like that?
Has anyone tried such a conversion, or can offer some insights?
May thanks and have a nice day!
Bruno

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1992 300TE 160 kmiles

i would bet they will.

but just in case i would either find out for sure before ordering or get a cheap used 400e rad and check it for fit or order a new one with the understanding you could bring it back if it doesnt fit.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Why?

Your M103 engine should function just fine with the radiator designed for it.

What if this alledged upgrade ends up being a downgrade due to un-foreseen issues?

I would stick with the original specs.

Steve
'92 300E Sportline 243,000 miles radiator replace about 80K ago as a precaution.

The engine keeps getting 115 degree celsius in traffic with AC on, even at moderate 75 degree outside temperatures. This makes the car very sluggish due to the ignition timing retard. Also I am just getting kind of nervous with the engine so hot.
Viscous fan clutch is new, radiator is fairly new too, waterpump is new - that's why I came to the conclusion that the system may just be under-designed and benefit from a larger radiator.
Bruno

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1992 300TE 160 kmiles

I don't think the radiator is that underdesigned. A properly functioning radiator and cooling system should not allow the coolant to reach 115C in the conditions that you describe. Is the electric cooling fan functioning properly?

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Ali Al-Chalabi

2001 CLK55
1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel
2002 Harley-Davidson Fatboy
Merlin Extralight w/ Campy Record

I'm not 100% but I am under the impression that the 124 v8 cars had a different lower radiator support than the 6 cyl cars. I do know that the v8 radiator has the lower hose connection on the lower right corner and the 6 cyl radiators have the lower hose connection just below the upper connection on the left side. That will not be an easy obstacle to overcome.

You might want to check the aux fan, the one in front, for proper operation.

http://mb.braingears.com/124_DISC1/Program/matrix.htm

or

http://mb.braingears.com/124_DISC2/Program/matrix.htm

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Regards

Warren

Currently 1965 220Sb, 2002 FORD Crown Vic Police Interceptor

Had 1965 220SEb, 1967 230S, 280SE 4.5, 300SE (W126), 420SEL

ENTER > = (HP RPN)

Not part of the in-crowd since 1952.

yeah, i bet the aux fans are not functioning correctly.

my sec will go up to about 95 when sitting with the ac on. i looked the other day and only one of my fans is working. (aux.)

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Thanks for your help.
I will defineately checking the aux fans before I am going to start any adventures such as radiator upgrade...
Have a nice day, Burno

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1992 300TE 160 kmiles

If ALL of the cooling system componenets are in working order there's no need to "upgrade" anything. Follow the advice given by the other members. You should be able to leave your car running with the A/C on, parked in a black-top lot on a one-hundred degree day, and walk away from it without fear of over-heating.

it is the aux fans. They are not turning at all, but can be spun freely by hand. Fuse D is ok, as is the resistor at the headlight. When I short the coolant temperature sensor, the compressor disengages but the fans stay silent. Whatever I do, there is never any current going through fuse at position D.
I have to admit, I prefer mechancal issues to electrical ones... so how shall I proceed? Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Kind regards, Bruno

I replaced the aux fan relais in the fuse box. Now the fans operate as they should.
Thanks for the hints, Bruno