I realise there are a few cooling threads running at the moment but I haven't managed to find the answers I'm looking for and was hoping someone on here would be able to offer some advice.
My viscous fan coupling has gone and needs replacing. My engine is running hot and I'm tired of driving around with the heating on/windows open. Having done a little research I have narrowed down the options available.
1) Buy a new coupling - £400 ish. What I've learnt about this is that it uses HP from the engine and although it 'de-couples' at around 3k rpm, it still requires power from the drivetrain. Also, from what I understand, the resistance does not kick in fully until the engine temp is at around 105 degrees, which already too hot.
-In this regard I would be particularly interested in whether or not anyone has fitted an M120 600SL coupling? I understand this has a lower viscosity and comes on earlier?
2) Electric fan. All modern Merc use electric fans. This must be with good reason, but do they move as much air as the old mechanical fans (perhaps twin electric main fans would move more air than mechanical? see option 3..) A possibility is to use the electric system from the W220 or a fan from KENLOWE but I was hoping someone on here had already done the leg work. I would only want to do this if there was a noticeable/proven reduction in running temps. Alternator would need to be upgraded, however.
3) A complete cooling solution i.e. radiator plus bespoke shroud plus fan(s). I think my radiator is due for replacement anyway so although this would be more expensive, it would make sense. I know of companies in the US such as Custom Built Aluminum Radiators - Ron Davis Racing Products who make bespoke items but am not familiar with anything similar in the UK.
Any advice would be much appreciated.
My viscous fan coupling has gone and needs replacing. My engine is running hot and I'm tired of driving around with the heating on/windows open. Having done a little research I have narrowed down the options available.
1) Buy a new coupling - £400 ish. What I've learnt about this is that it uses HP from the engine and although it 'de-couples' at around 3k rpm, it still requires power from the drivetrain. Also, from what I understand, the resistance does not kick in fully until the engine temp is at around 105 degrees, which already too hot.
-In this regard I would be particularly interested in whether or not anyone has fitted an M120 600SL coupling? I understand this has a lower viscosity and comes on earlier?
2) Electric fan. All modern Merc use electric fans. This must be with good reason, but do they move as much air as the old mechanical fans (perhaps twin electric main fans would move more air than mechanical? see option 3..) A possibility is to use the electric system from the W220 or a fan from KENLOWE but I was hoping someone on here had already done the leg work. I would only want to do this if there was a noticeable/proven reduction in running temps. Alternator would need to be upgraded, however.
3) A complete cooling solution i.e. radiator plus bespoke shroud plus fan(s). I think my radiator is due for replacement anyway so although this would be more expensive, it would make sense. I know of companies in the US such as Custom Built Aluminum Radiators - Ron Davis Racing Products who make bespoke items but am not familiar with anything similar in the UK.
Any advice would be much appreciated.
