How would you diagnose this problem?

Have a question or want to start a discussion? Post it! No Registration Necessary.  Now with pictures!

Threaded View
Cheesehead Contact options for registered users 's Avatar posted on
October 10, 2008, 11:28 am
rate this thread
Reply to this post Reply Tag this thread to save it in your account Save Printer-friendly version of this post Print
Body: W124
Year: 1987
Engine: Diesel (says 2.5 Turbo on the trunk lid) L6

The problem:  When I brake, though sometimes even sitting still but
especially when braking, I hear a loud clanking under the hood.
Sounds like the fan blade hitting something.  The car has a
replacement Nissen radiator.  I cannot see any damage to the radiator
but two blades show edge wear.

What would you check?
I can't find any looseness in the fan clutch.
Maybe engine mounts?
I'm in a quandry.  Just replaced the radiator and don't want to have
to do it again.
The previous radiator was the same Nissen replacement model.  They
appear thicker than the original Behr, but  unfortunately I don't have
the original to compare.  Can anyone provide me the thickness of their
radiator?

Again, I am in a quandry on this one and don't want to drive the car
until it is fixed correctly.

What Other People Are Reading:
Tiger Contact options for registered users 's Avatar posted on
October 10, 2008, 12:13 pm
Permalink
Reply to this post Reply Tag this thread to save it in your account Save Printer-friendly version of this post Print

Re: How would you diagnose this problem?

I would say the engine mount might be the cause.

Check the fan clutch to see if there is any bearing play that might let your
fan blade wobble.

Check the fan shroud and make sure it is mounted correctly, the two tabs on
the bottom goes in the slot of the radiator.

Make sure th radiator is mounted correctly... Any front end accident on this
car? (that could push the radiator inward)

Last thing... if the cooling fan blade is plastic, make sure it is not
cracked



What Other People Are Reading:
Cheesehead Contact options for registered users 's Avatar posted on
October 10, 2008, 12:22 pm
Permalink
Reply to this post Reply Tag this thread to save it in your account Save Printer-friendly version of this post Print

Re: How would you diagnose this problem?


Does yours have the original radiator?  If so, can you measure its
thickness?

 

Tiger Contact options for registered users 's Avatar posted on
October 10, 2008, 1:06 pm
Permalink
Reply to this post Reply Tag this thread to save it in your account Save Printer-friendly version of this post Print

Re: How would you diagnose this problem?

Yes, mine is original. I have changed many radiator and there is no physical
difference between them. I'll take some measurement for you.

I know Nissen radiators... I used three of them already for three different
cars. They are good radiators.



 

me Contact options for registered users 's Avatar posted on
October 10, 2008, 10:12 pm
Permalink
Reply to this post Reply Tag this thread to save it in your account Save Printer-friendly version of this post Print

Re: How would you diagnose this problem?



Motor mount(s) collapsed..



What Other People Are Reading:
Ximinez Contact options for registered users 's Avatar posted on
October 11, 2008, 2:59 am
Permalink
Reply to this post Reply Tag this thread to save it in your account Save Printer-friendly version of this post Print

Re: How would you diagnose this problem?

me wrote:

Sounds likely. My GF once shifted my Saab 9-3 from 4th into 2nd (stick
shift) at faiely high speed which tore the rear motor mount apart. The
result was a loud cranking under the hood whenever I drove backwards.

X.

(kept the GF but switched to MB automatics)

 

Jens Contact options for registered users 's Avatar posted on
October 11, 2008, 4:29 am
Permalink
Reply to this post Reply Tag this thread to save it in your account Save Printer-friendly version of this post Print

Re: How would you diagnose this problem?


I would say front springs.

They tend to break close to the ends, and when load changes (by
breaking etc.) the broken ends will rub against each other, often
resulting in loud clanks.

Awfully many drive around with broken springs without knowing it.

 

Commuter Contact options for registered users 's Avatar posted on
October 16, 2008, 8:45 am
Permalink
Reply to this post Reply Tag this thread to save it in your account Save Printer-friendly version of this post Print

Re: How would you diagnose this problem?

The fan shroud may be out of adjustment. If yours is like my W123, the
shroud mounting points on top have ribs that interlock with ribs on the
radiator. This allows for about 15 mm of up and down adjustment. Just remove
the clip and move as necessary then re-install the clip.

Check to make sure the shroud is not broken.



 

Cheesehead Contact options for registered users 's Avatar posted on
October 16, 2008, 9:28 pm
Permalink
Reply to this post Reply Tag this thread to save it in your account Save Printer-friendly version of this post Print

Re: How would you diagnose this problem?

Success!

Today I completed the motor mount swap and all is well.
The old mounts from the left left (driver's) side wasn't really bad
but the right (passenger) had noticable flex.
But I replaced both anyway.

These mounts don't "split" like some other vehicles' because they're
encassed in a metal can.
That may allow them to last longer or otherwise keep them from flexing
as much.

So ... does anyone here repair radiators ... I got one for sale that
needs repair.  ;-)

 

Site Timeline