fan problem 1991 190E 2.3
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: New York, USA
1991 190E 2.3
fan problem 1991 190E 2.3
Hey guys,
Ever since I bought my 1991 190 E a year ago I have had problems with it's cooling fan. It never really worked. At first I thought it was the magnetic clutch and I changed it but that didn't do anything. I don't know what the problem might be but it gets very bad especially in the summer. As soon as I stop in a trafic light or something the temp starts going up all the way to 120 C. Could it be the the fan temperature sensor? and if not what else could it be? Thanks.
Ever since I bought my 1991 190 E a year ago I have had problems with it's cooling fan. It never really worked. At first I thought it was the magnetic clutch and I changed it but that didn't do anything. I don't know what the problem might be but it gets very bad especially in the summer. As soon as I stop in a trafic light or something the temp starts going up all the way to 120 C. Could it be the the fan temperature sensor? and if not what else could it be? Thanks.
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Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Rome, NY
1993 190E 2.3
Are you losing any coolant?
It's been a while, but I'll try to remember the details. I had an issue similar to yours, and my coolant level would drop very slowly. I kept topping it off, but I would still overheat, and could never really find a leak.
Turns out that my water-pump was on its way out. The reason I couldn't find the leak was that it was some sort of bearing that was wearing out and it would only leak for a short time when it was cold. As the engine heated up the bearing would swell and the leak would stop (we're talking very small measurements here).
Anyway, the leak was just a tiny little symptom. With or without the leak, the water pump wasn't functioning right. My mechanic had told me that was the likely problem, and I could replace it in advance or just wait a while and I'll know for sure. I waited (really, who's going to believe that bearing story?), and sure enough I parked my car at work and walked away and it was fine. A few hours later I got a call that I had a HUGE leak, that bearing had cooled down and had finally given up.
I guess an easy diagnostic would be to put something nice and clean and white (paper towel?) in front of and below the water pump while it is still hot (watch out for that electric fan that comes on after you turn the car off) and check it the next morning to see if it absorbed any coolant. Otherwise get a AAA membership because you'll be stranded.
Dan
...hmmm totally missed the whole fan aspect of your post, I was focusing on the temp issue. My electric fans would come on all the time, if your's don't then it's likely the temp sensor.
Turns out that my water-pump was on its way out. The reason I couldn't find the leak was that it was some sort of bearing that was wearing out and it would only leak for a short time when it was cold. As the engine heated up the bearing would swell and the leak would stop (we're talking very small measurements here).
Anyway, the leak was just a tiny little symptom. With or without the leak, the water pump wasn't functioning right. My mechanic had told me that was the likely problem, and I could replace it in advance or just wait a while and I'll know for sure. I waited (really, who's going to believe that bearing story?), and sure enough I parked my car at work and walked away and it was fine. A few hours later I got a call that I had a HUGE leak, that bearing had cooled down and had finally given up.
I guess an easy diagnostic would be to put something nice and clean and white (paper towel?) in front of and below the water pump while it is still hot (watch out for that electric fan that comes on after you turn the car off) and check it the next morning to see if it absorbed any coolant. Otherwise get a AAA membership because you'll be stranded.
Dan
...hmmm totally missed the whole fan aspect of your post, I was focusing on the temp issue. My electric fans would come on all the time, if your's don't then it's likely the temp sensor.
Last edited by Dan's 1993 190E; Aug 11, 2005 at 08:02 PM. Reason: add info
