W124 fan clutch VK-DB-004
 

Car Stat: 1987 260E 2.6L Automatic

Can someone please help me install a new fan clutch? Just bought it recently (part# VK-DB-004 , vendor said it's for M103). Finally got time to install it, but it doesn't seem to fit.

Basically when I screw it in, the back would hit the fan pulley, i.e. would latch right onto it. I know that it is suppose to spin freely. So anyway, it would be nice if someone can give a rundown on how to install a new fan clutch.

I took some photos of the old one and the new one attached to the old fan blade.

I am definitely screwed. Have no car to drive. :-(

It must be incorrect unless you are putting it on backwards. If you are avoiding an expensive replacement, ebay has quite a few of them cheap. I got my replacement for about $40. OE Sachs.

Since you have the clutch off, make sure to inspect the bearing bracket it attaches to. ANY play or bearing noise and you really need to replace it now. Last thing you want is the new clutch sheering off and dropping a nuke on your radiator among other items.

I thought it's incorrect too. But surprisingly there are other people selling the same thing on Ebay, saying it will fit if you get the right fan blade. I even tried removing the fan blade and putting on only the clutch, still it jam.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MERCEDES-RADIATOR-COOLING-FAN-VISCOUS-CLUTCH-M103-W124-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem2eaf83eda9QQitemZ200513154473QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccesso ries

Bearing Bracket? Do you mean the assembly on the pulley where you attach the fan clutch to? How do I check it? Just wiggle the pulley? Thx

By the way, I am thinking of grabbing an angle grinder and grind down the thin fins on the new clutch so that it will fit, just temporarily until I can get the correct replacement? Would this then cause the clutch to always be engaged? at a lower temp? Fine if it engage at a lower temp, it would be far worse if it won't engage.

Do you have the link to Ebayer OE Sachs? I need to order a new one asap.

Weird them fins are so much taller.

Good luck finding a replacement. I would suggest sending that one back. Remember it shouldnt spin free, there will always be some drag as there is oil in the clutch and a switch so at a certain temp it "enagages". But if the fins hit ya thats bad.

I have same car as you with 11 blade fan so when you find the solution to your problem please post the results. You ebay ad says you need the 9 blade fan but your 11 blade looks to bolt to fan hub fine. Something is strange.
Good luck!