Can I replace the viscous fan with an electric one?

[nickh]

Hi.

Does anyone know if I can replace the viscous fan on my w124 230e with an electric one? - I found with this hot weather when the viscous fan cuts in with the air con on, the engine speed drops right down and the engine struggles with both running, then the air con eventualy gives up as the rpm is not stable..

This happens only when stck in traffic after about 30 mins or so, I found with the aircon on the aircon fan is able to keep the car a little cooler for longer before the viscous one cuts in.

 

[kid-jensen]

Nickh,

Easiest option is to wire an additional feed to the existing electric fan through a thermostatic switch.

The fan will then come on whenever the temperature rises too much, wether the AC is on or not.

Cheap fix too.

 

[jaymanek]

Look at what this guy did to his fan, maybe a cheaper option:

http://pages.prodigy.net/jforgione/MB_S500.html

 

[Arnie]

If your car has AirCon, the engine will have its own belt-driven viscous fan and there should be an additional electric fan already fitted in front of the condenser (between radiator and front grill). This electric fan is operated by thermostatic switch and should come on when engine temperature reaches 90 -95 C. You could either have a faulty thermostatic switch, faulty fan or most likely a blown fuse. If you get this fan working, it should sort your eratic idling problems in hot whether. These are caused by the a/c compressor clicking in and out every few seconds due to insufficient cooling of the condenser.

 

[MIKE236]

Nickh.
I went and modified my a/f through the website that jaymanek mentioned. It virtually helps to maintain the coolness of the a/c and engine temp is constantly below 100C even on hot days and long traffic jams. The resistor needed costs 4 cents (AUD) and thats all you need to pay if you have your own household soldering eqmt. Like what PaulG said..the cheapest fix to a prob. Cheers!