The alternator trick does indeed work; I used it this weekend to replace the fan and fan clutch on my 88 300ce. In doing this job I found that my car had the original parts, not the updated fan and clutch which I used from my parts car which I hope will keep the coolant temperatures lower. I already noticed the "new" clutch offered more resistance when turned manually. BTW, thanks to Peter and all the others on this board for their earlier posts providing advice on doing this job and how to make the fan clutch pulley holding tool.

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87 300e (white/black; amg body kit)
88 300ce (red/cream; amg body kit)
93 300ce cabrio (white/blue/blue top)
93 300ce cabrio (black/grey/black top)
98 ml 320 (totaled @ 137,000 miles)
99 clk320 (black/grey/black top)