'92 400E fan clutch

[brianw]

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!

[speace]

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!

[brianw]

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!

[Hit Man X]

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.

[brianw]

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!