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Old Apr 14, 2009 | 05:34 PM
  #16 (permalink)  
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tom2112
She can ride with me ;)
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,399
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From: Sharon, PA
Default Re: Super Charger Unpredictable

I wouldn't immediately jump to the conclusion that your intercooler pump is bad.

I noticed no one really mentioned how the supercharger really works in our cars. The supercharger is not always engaged. Mercedes did this most likely for better fuel economy while you're putting around town.

The supercharger has a clutch that engages the supercharger at approximately 2,300~2,500 RPM. One way to easily test this, is to pull into a big empty parking lot - roll down the windows and using the autostick, put the car in second gear. Bring the car to a complete stop. Then starting out in second gear, slowly accelerate. Before 3,000 RPM you'll hear the supercharger engage. You'll also get a little surge from the car when it kicks on. It's not extreme throw-you-back-in-your-seat kinda surge, it almost feels like the transmission just shifted gears. Also, a safety measure was built in so that if by some chance the supercharger is NOT already engaged by 3,000 rpm, it will not engage above 3,000 because this would put a sudden snap of torque onto the belt which would be bad.

If it does not engage, then you know you have a problem. The most common problem is the intercooler coolant pump. I've got 16,000 miles on mine and haven't had to change mine yet, but there are others that failed at less than 5,000 miles. So take that for what it's worth.
 
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