hello all
anyone tell me how i can check if the radiator fan clutch is working ok????
my engine does not go above 60 deg C and in minus 20 deg it is really uncomfortable in the car.....i suspect the fan because i have changed the thermostat and it made no difference.
thanks

I was going to ask the same question because at speeds around 70mph, mine sounds like a WWII bomber ready to take-off and am thinking the fan clutch isn't slipping. I'll keep checking, but in case I miss the reply, please forward the response to wjbell@medscape.com. Many thanks!

Your fan clutch should have no effect on your ability to heat the interior of your car. Look into things like a restricted heater core or a failed auxillary coolant pump. It is also possible to over protect your coolant, in which case it becomes too thick and at the extreme it can even cause your engine to overheat. As far as checking a fan clutch you must bring the engine to operating temp. and then with the hood up hold the engine RPM to about 2500. The fan will noticeably change sound and speed after several minutes, this may be difficult to do outdoors in cold weather.

The fan clutch can fail in a few ways. One is that the fan can lock up. If so, it will make some noise like an airplane ready to take off. The other way is to freewheel. This will cause the car to run hot.
IF yours is not heating well, try a hotter thermostat. Be sure the mono-heat valve and the auxillary water pump is working...The mono-valve is cheap and they fail alot with no/little heat complaints.

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Benzmac:
1981 280GE SWB
1987 16V
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM




[This message has been edited by Benzmac (edited 01-15-2000).]