94 W124 M119 Fan shroud headache...
 

While attempting to remove a leaking radiator for replacement, my husband has run into a snag that has aggravated him for a couple of days now. On the 119 engines, there is an upper and lower fan shroud. Removal of the upper shroud was relatively simple, but what is the deal with the lower one? There is NO space between the radiator and the fan to "sneak" it out, so now what?
Do you have to remove the fan in order to remove the radiator with lower shroud attached? Does not seem logical, but maybe? :confused:
What is he missing?
We have the "owner's Bible" for the car, but they want you to take it to the dealership, of course. My searches through the forums have not been successful either.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks, Di

hope this help... I have a 93 400e (w124 with m119)




Drain coolant from radiator. See: Service and Repair
Unbolt oil lines (7) and (8) of automatic transmission at radiator (4), bolt on. Tighten to: 20 Nm .
Remove oil line (9) of automatic transmission, install.
Remove bracket (9a) of oil line of automatic transmission, install.
Detach coolant hoses (10), (11) and (12), attach.
Remove flat springs (15), install.
Unscrew bolts (16), screw on.
Separate and remove fan shroud (5) and (5a), install.
CAUTION: The air flaps (17) of the fan shroud (5) and (5a) must face toward the inside of the engine compartment.



Remove flat springs (18), install.
Remove radiator (4) up and out of the rubber pads (19) of the cross member, install.
Installation Note: The securing studs of the radiator must be inserted into the rubber pads (19) of the cross member or mounting bracket.



Fill cooling system, bleed.
Check oil level of automatic transmission, adjust to correct level.
Check for leaks.

RS,
Thanks for the run down. That is the "standard' procedure of removal, which he did. This darn lower shroud will not be removed yet though. Seems as though something in the center of the shroud has it "stuck" to the radiator, just can't quite get close enough to see what.
Thanks for the help,
Di :)

The photos and dialog in the below DIY link might offer some help. I have a 400e.. but I've never removed the radiator

http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/W124Radiator

This is not for a 420, but a 300 w124 - it might help.

Good luck!

I did check that DIY out the other day, but apparently (according to the "Bible") the M119 Engines were the only(?) ones to have the two-piece fan shroud. So, that seems to puts us in a different ball park.
Out of curiosity, how much space do you have in your engine compartment between the radiator - fan clutch? Rough estimate is fine.
Thanks again,
Di :)

dj,

I have both a 400e and a 400se with M119 engines. I can tell you without a doubt, the M119 engine is TIGHTLY mounted into the w124 as apposed to the W140(s-class).

I dont' have the figures or distances from the radiator to fan clutch since I'm at work, but since we both have w124's with m119, I'm guessing they are the same.

I've attached the pic for the w140 with the m119 engine on changing the radiator... it's an m119 but the fan shroud is only one piece.

You might try posting on www.500e.com These MB owners are challenged with Large engines and small chassis

Thanks again, RS.
Your description of being spacially challenged is what I was wondering. We have not owned this car very long and there is a BIG difference between the M103 and the M119 in a W124 car. I am sold on the V-8 though (for performance, not cost of repair :D ) My husband(DJ) likes to curse me for it too, because he originally wanted to fix it up a little bit and then trade it.
Thanks for the line on the link too.... I think that will also come in handy.
Di :)

Learn something every . .
 

. . day! Never saw a two piece fan shroud on a M119?? Mine is like Russell's pic in post#6; the shroud, one piece #5 and the fan ring, #6.

To get it out, you need to take the ring (#6) and then remove the VFC/fan assy. But FIRST, you need to loosen the facade as shown in MENU#20 in the picture in the "Removing the VFC" section. Once it's loose, the fan shroud pulls up and out. But mine is one piece. Not sure how a two piece shroud would work???

Not sure if your still looking for info.

I went through this when my VFC self destructed and ate the radiator. I was able to get the fan shroud out from below once all the plumbing is removed.

What I did find was that to get the new radiator in place I needed to loosen everything in the front end in order to move the AC stuff about 1/4 inch to get the radiator in.

The whole process of putting the VFC back is a mess even if you buy the special tool (which is worthwile). If I have to do it again I'll make my own stubby allen wrench welded to a metal bar to eliminate the space a rachet or breaker bar takes up (they didn't fit).

Good luck