is there an easy way to check if the fan clutch is working? it can be turned by hand when cold and when at 110C. does this mean the clutch is bad and has not engaged when hot???

l am running 100C in normal traffic on a hot day here (today was 95F+) in So.Cal.

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1993 500SEL

Does your car have the viscous fan or the electromagnetic one?

If its the Viscous fan, then it should lock up at around 100c by the viscous in the clutch congeling with the heat of the engine..if its not, then the clutch has had it and a new one is needed,

The electromagnetic fan is operated by a switch on the top/front of the engine block, the water temp activates the switch at 100c approx and the fan is then locked on by an electric clutch. It may be that the switch has gone in this case, as they arent the most robust things in the world. They are too expensive, £14.99 + VAT her in the uk, so i would imagine about $25-$30 or so.

how do you tell if its viscous type or electromagnetic type?????

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1993 500SEL

100 degrees in hot weather is completely normal. It is not considered hot.

Search for posts under tkamiya. He has discussed this in wonderful detail.

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

Unless it is a 190e it should have the viscous. Easiest way to determine if fan clutch is good, watch it when temp is 100, shut off your engine and see is it spins for a second, if it spins for 3 seconds or so then it might be the fan clutch or radiator is not hot enough( clogged radiator or thermostate problem) a flow problem. I have seen alot of good fan clutches get changed. Most of the time fan clutch is good . Expensive part to guess at.

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euro 287
Mercedes Technician 7 Years (retired to Hyundai)
2000 Dodge Durango
98 Mazda truck

Euro, you are right, fan clutches are way too expensive for what they are, essential i know but too bloody pricey!