I have performed the newspaper test on the fan clutch of my '87 300SDL, and it failed. It also seems to be wobbling - conclusion: REPLACE.

I have never done this before butI have been told it is not a tough job. I would really like to find a set of instructions or a detailed diagram of the procedure to aid me if I get stuck.

Thoughts on how I might obtain this would be most welcome.

 

Loosen the shroud. There are two spring clips that hold the top of the shroud on. The bottom is simply some prongs that fit in holes. Remove the clips.

There are 4 bolts that hold the assembly to the water pump. I believe 10mm bolts. You may have to bump the engine over to get to them all. If you are real careful, you will not have to loosen those belts that ride on that pulley at all. Don't use a cheap wrench. If you round the bolt heads off, well, good luck. Borrow a snap-on or similar.

When bumping the engine, make sure you don't start the engine with the bolts loose. No glow plugs, and pull the mechanical stop on the pump.

Once the 4 bolts are off, then tilt the fan blades toward the radiator and pull it out between the radiator and shroud if it fits through there, or with the shroud..

Lay the fan on the ground. $ bolts hold the fan onto the clutch. Remove them. Separate the fan and clutch, making note of the orientation of the fan on the clutch. Install new clutch. Install bacvk on water pump. Position the shroud and slide the clips back on.

Done

 

It is really cool that you can remember those steps so easily. Thanks for the info. But, heres the thing. The only four bolts on the "clutch" are the ones attaching the fan to the clutch. I seem to have a center bolt that takes an allen wrench. Turning it turns the crank. SO - do I need one of those little "toothy" tools to lock my flywheel and a special size hex head for the center bolt or am I off the mark here?

Thanks.

 

I am sorry. I am not familiar with you set up. None of my cars have a fan held on with allen bolt. Sorry I can't help.

 

So I looked up your clutch. Yup, completely different to what I am used to.

So, how about getting a screwdriver and somehow wedging it in the fan attachment bolts so the clutch won't turn while loosening the allen bolt?

Or maybe getting a large socket for the crank bolt and holding it while loosening the clutch fasteners?