1999 Mercedes Benz ML320 Radiator Fan

138,333 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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IMPALASS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 3,112 POSTS
The radiator fan is a centrifugal clutch type. With the engine off, it spins freely by hand when the engine is cold or hot. I thought that a centrifugal type once the engine was warm or hot, was not supposed to rotate a complete turn by hand with the engine off when spun by hand as this shows it is still good. Does that mean that it needs to be replaced since it spins so freely with the engine cold or hot? How do you check to see if it is bad?
Sep 27, 2008 at 4:43 PM
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THIS IS MIKE
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 686 POSTS
If the fan clutch spins freely when the engine is warm it needs to be replaced. It should be locked up or close to it when the engine reaches operating temperature.
Oct 2, 2008 at 11:03 AM
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