Hi:
I did a search on fan clutch replacement for the 124 with the 603 motor.

There were quite a few.

My question is, I have a service manual that says you need to remove the radiator in order to remove the fan clutch.

For those of you that have done this job, is this true?

It looks like there is enough room to get to the 8mm bolt on the fan, I guess the that question remains is can you get the bolt all the way out before you run into the radiator?

Thanks.

Yes, you can remove the 8mm bolt. But, after you do it.......you might have wished you did remove the radiator.

I have the thin, flat bar with the 8mm bit. It works well and you might be able to get it out with other tools. Check the wiki DIY section (click 'home' above and then DIY.


ALSO, read up on the 606 clutch and fan upgrade, I've done it and noticed a little cooler temps.

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1987 300D (230,000 mi on a #14 head-watching the temp gauge and keeping the ghost in the machine)
Raleigh NC - Home of deep fried sushi!

I use an 8mm hex key and a 10mm deep socket on a breaker bar to get started. There's a point at which I have to remove the hex key before the radiator gets in the way of removing the hex key. At that point I clip the bolt head with needlenose vice grips and spin until there's enough bolt head to grip with my fingers. Protect the radiator if you don't remove it. It's loads of fun with the shroud in the way. Jeremy has a 2-piece shroud like in later 300Es (300E shroud doesn't fit an 87 300D) which makes it much easier.

Sixto
87 300D

I had a helper use the belt as a brake, broke the bolt free, then had the helper turn the belt while i held the allen key stationary, unscrewing the bolt. I didn't want to try disconnecting my transmission lines.

-J

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1991 350SDL. 230,000 miles (new motor @ 150,000). Blown head gasket

Tesla Model 3. 205,000 miles. Been to 48 states!
Past: A fleet of VW TDIs.... including a V10,a Dieselgate Passat, and 2 ECOdiesels.
2014 Cadillac ELR
2013 Fiat 500E.