w201 electric fan clutch failing?

[satyr]

Hey everybody,
So... New noise (I should say NOISE) started up here at 200K- a somewhat shrill, chirpy, screechy like metal on metal or bad bearing noise that increases with RPM that appears to be from either the fan clutch or the alternator- and it's not the belt. (The belt tensioner pulley was ruled out since it was replaced recently) I haven't had any other symptom other than the noise so far- but it's enough to make you want to cover your ears and run screaming...

Is there any way to rule out one or the other? Is there a way to force the electric clutch to lockup? I'm thinking if I did that, the clutch would be engaged and if the clutch itself was at fault the noise would go away..?

Any ideas?