While the proper function of the aux. fan is desirable and necessary, it won't affect anything until the engine temp climbs to 105C.

His situation is the range between 90C. and 100C.

While there will never be any issues of operating the engine in this range, if he wants to have the engine running cooler, he'll need to look at the clutch fan for more airflow if the radiator has been replaced.

The only other possibility, and one that should be verified, is potential clogging of the condenser with debris. While this is less likely due to the construction of the fins........it needs to be checked.

FWIW, the '86 runs up to 100C. on every workout........uphill.......at high power.........at any ambient temperature. I'm hardly worried about it and won't spend a dime on a new clutch fan. I will, however, install the red temperature switch........which will energize the electric fan at 100C.

Hi Brad,

I actually had the radiator replaced as my first course of action after reading this thread.

It hasn't changed the behavior of the temp gauge. However, it also seems like there's a lot of different experiences out there as to how these w124's behave under load, temp-wise.

I haven't seen it climb over 100, but here in NYC the hills are pretty small. I got concerned seeing it go to 100 when climbing the Verranzano Bridge, especially since it hadn't done that previously. It's not a slow heat-up. I can watch the temp needle move.

Tim

__________________
1987 300TD wagon 193,000 miles