« previous next »
Pages: [1]

Author Topic: How to test the viscous clutch to make sure it is working  (Read 4808 times)

Bob G ✝︎

  • Guest
How to test the viscous clutch to make sure it is working
« on: April 05, 2009, 02:34:59 »
How to I check the fan  clutch to make sure it is working properly. I would appreciate any information especially if it is in the technical manual on line?

Sincerely
Bob Geco
1968 280SL
Logged

graphic66

  • Guest
Re: How to test the viscous clutch to make sure it is working
« Reply #1 on: April 05, 2009, 16:17:21 »
I have always just spun them by hand. You should be able to feel the hydraulic effect in the hub. It should have some fluid resistance and not just freewheel. When I have seen ones go bad they just spun and to get back home we drilled a hole right through it and screwed a bolt in and had a direct drive fan. This was on a crap old Heap out on the trail, not a nice car.
Logged

Jonny B

  • Pagoda SL Board
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, CA, San Marcos
  • Posts: 4198
Re: How to test the viscous clutch to make sure it is working
« Reply #2 on: April 05, 2009, 18:36:08 »
There was a post on the forum some time ago (search on "newspaper") for another way to test the fan. Roll up a newspaper, and with the car at idle and warm, carefully try to stop the fan with the paper. I tried this on man, and the fan was working quite well. I did not see a response to the post, but this was one suggestion.
Logged
Jonny B
1967 250 SL Auto, DB 568
1970 280 SL Auto, DB 904
1966 Morris Mini Minor

johnd

  • Guest
Re: How to test the viscous clutch to make sure it is working
« Reply #3 on: April 05, 2009, 20:52:34 »
I have had intermittently working ones before on other cars.  Shopped around replacement ones are $40 . . .. so don't waste too much time messing with them.

johnd 
Logged

jameshoward

  • Associate Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • United States, New Jersey (formerly of London)
  • Posts: 1570
Re: How to test the viscous clutch to make sure it is working
« Reply #4 on: April 05, 2009, 22:06:22 »
John,

Where did you see them for $40??

I have one that is suspect (and have seen the same newspaper thing) and would gladly replace it for $40 (including shipping, naturally) rather than ruin a perfectly good Sunday Times.

Link please!!!

James
Logged
James Howard
1966 LHD 230SL

johnd

  • Guest
Re: How to test the viscous clutch to make sure it is working
« Reply #5 on: April 06, 2009, 17:24:23 »
Logged
Pages: [1]
« previous next »