230SL Air Conditioning

[Harry]

I just got my A/C working again (and for the first time) and I had a question regarding the addition of an electric fan.  Has anyone on the forum replaced their belt driven fan with an electric?  This would increase the airflow through the condenser/radiator, especially at low speeds, which would help engine cooling and A/C performance.

Any experience and/or recommendations?

Thanks,
Harry

[Norm]

I added an auxiliary fan in front of the radiator that comes on with the A/C, I can also manually switch on from a switch on he dash and it has a thermo sensor that will switch it on at 200 degrees F.

I also added a fan shroud from a 250 SL and 6 blade metal fan.  After these additions I have never seen the car over 85 degrees C, even driving on country roads at outside temperature over 100 degrees F.

I don't use the A/C very often but when I do I am super glad I have it!

[Harry]

Thanks Norm.  I’m not sure I have room on the front.  What kind/brand did you use?

[Norm]

Sorry Harry.  It's a slim 12" frame but it was installed over 10 years ago.  I have no idea what brand.

If you have a good A/C shop near by maybe they could take a look at the space you have and make a suggestion.

Norm

[Harry]

Thanks Norm.

[Tomnistuff]

Hello Harry,
I too added an auxiliary electric fan between my condenser and grill.  I added a SPAL Model
VA11-AP7-/C-57S  12V fan turned on by a relay triggered by the AC clutch.
If you search SPAL VA11-AP7-/C-57S , you will get SPAL's web site and then search again the model number for all the details.  I couldn't find the price on their site and don't remember what I paid.  I bought mine from the mobile AC guy who came to my house to charge my AC.  I probably paid too much but they are in the range of $100.00, I think.
The only problem I had installing mine was removing the grill and black grill screens to avoid removing the hood.
In the end, I removed the hood anyway to provide easier access to put the grill screen screws back.
It works great and my temperature also stays at about 80 or 81 degrees C even on a hot day here in Quebec.
Tom Kizer

[Harry]

Thanks Tom!