Hello all. The entire summer, i've been battling my 89 190E's overheating in traffic problem. I have always thought that it must be the fan clutch not working. I read somewhere that if the fan clutch is good, you should have trouble moving the fan blade when the engine is hot (after shut off of course). I did that and my fan blade spun freely and easily by the force of my hand. Does this sound right to anyone?? Also, I noticed that when the engine is running, the fan seems to just spin all the time and not kick on and off but it doesn't look like it's even spinning fast enough to cool the engine. IDK...... I never dealt with these problems w/ my volvos. haha.

I just had the exact same problem. It was a defective Fan Clutch Temperature Switch. I proved it by shorting out the two wires and the fan clutch engaged and the fan turned while the engine was running. I replaced the defective switch and engine now cools properly.

HEY, had to read your other posts to discover which car you have, the 2.3 and 2.6 have different fans, man. Your 2.6, the fan clutch pretty much takes care of itself (the 2.3 has an electromagnetic fan clutch, on or off). Your thermoclutch "could" wear out on ya, pretty rare though, but could. Whats the recent history of the car, how long have you had it? Have you had it long enough to know that this just developed or first summer season with it? If there is any recent front end repair work, it's possible the fan is mounted backwards to the clutch, something to consider. Mainly I'd be interested if the aux fans (electric fans in front) work, and if the cooling system has been flushed lately. Could also be the thermostat or the outside fins of the radiator could be plugged with dirt, etc.
Gilly

__________________
Click here to see the items I have up for auction at EBay

Click here to see a photo album of my '62 Sprite Project Moneypit (Now Sold)

PS: Please note "slk230red" in his public profile lists his 190 as a 2.3, again way different than your 2.6!
Gilly

__________________
Click here to see the items I have up for auction at EBay

Click here to see a photo album of my '62 Sprite Project Moneypit (Now Sold)

Used to have a E190 2.6 a while back with same overheating problem. Got the fan clutch replaced and the problem went away.

Note: I did it myself and it was a pain in the b@tt. Had to entirely remove the front bumper, the radiator, all the belts in order to remove the fan and then fan clutch. Best time to replace the waterpump too.

Good luck...

__________________
Tigger - 2001 E320