decision re cooling

[peterm]

Well winter is approaching and its time to bite the bullit and once again address my cooling issue.  New fan clutch, new water pump, new thermostat, fan shroud and "recored" radiator have not solved the problem.  Water wetter didn't help and temp gauge seems to be true (at least thats what my mechainc said when i asked him to test it) and thanks to many on the board I've addressed all possibilities.  
Now I'm searching for an electric fan that will fit and thgermostatically kick on, or perhaps I should assume that my recored radiator is not up to snuff and i should install one of those "high efficiency" one we've been hearing about.

BTW my system shoots above 200 and will go for the red if its warm and the ac is on at less tha 20mph!

[jeffc280sl]

Hello Peter,

I have installed an electric pusher fan with adjustable thermostat on my 1970 280Sl.  I took the A/C condenser off because the compressor is shot.  I'll fix it some day.  There is very little room in front of the condenser to work with.  Search this site or the other Pagoda site for electric fans and I think you find some pictures of my fan setup.

Were I to do it over again and I most likely will when I fix the A/C I'm going to consider removing the mechanical fan and installing a larger puller type fan with the same adjustable thermostat. The fan would be sized to fit the diameter of the fan shroud. This may require a heavy duty alternator.   I had a look at my friend's new E500 and it only uses an electric puller fan for cooling.  There is no mechanical fan at all.  I'd think about doing it this way if I were you.

Let me know if you have any questions.


Jeff C.
1970 280SL 4-speed

[hauser]

Peter, have you spoken with Doug and Richard about their cooling systems?  You all have common cars, elevation and climate.  Are you using some type of coolant in your system?  Is it the correct concentration?  I think your missing something here.  Some small detail that can be causing this over heating problem.  I'm in Florida and it gets pretty hot down here and I do not have these issues.  Then again I don't get into heavy traffic situations.

1969 280sl 5 spd        1999 ML320          Gainesville,Fl.