'92 400E fan clutch
 

I have been searching the web for a used fan clutch for my soon to be deceased 92 400E fan clutch. Anyone have any suggestions where I might find one? Or better yet, anyone have one?

Thank you!

Fan clutches are common problems on the 400E. Any good used part you may find may not be good for much longer. The 400 engine is shoe-horned into the engine compartment such that there is little to no clearance to access the clutch for removal without removing the radiator first.

If you are a DIY as I am I will say this is not an easy job. Yes, I did it, but it was while I was replacing the radiator. After completing the job I swore that it was the hardest radiator I have ever replaced. MY 500SL was one of the easiest... It's all about clearance. The trick I used was to pry the lower support bracket off of the old AND NEW radiators so they would clear the fan clutch while R&R-ing the radiator. Of course, I put the brace back once the new radiator was placed.

The extra money for a new clutch is worth it not to have to do the job again any time soon.

P.S. If you do attempt this yourself you will need a special tool to hold the water pump pulley while breaking lose the bolt that holds the clutch to the pump. Someone here may have a tip for this. If so, I'd love to hear it.

Good luck!

Thank you for the response speace, but I am not a DIY'er! So you are not recommending a used part, as it may also be at the end of its economic life. Very good advice and something I had not thought about, it light of the difficulty in R & R.

Thank you!

I picked up used clutch for a 300E that was supposed to be fine... died within a few months. If you are planning to keep that 400E for a while, drop the cash for a new one.

Yes, I think that is what I will do when it is time to replace. Sound advice and nothing worse than having to do a job twice!

Thank you!