As the Aux Fan Turns...So are the days of my life
 

Continuing on my journey to discovering the solution to my overheating problem, I have begun my next challenge:

I am trying to remove the aux fan shrowd from my 92' w124 300D. Do I need to remove the radiator and condensor in order to do this?

I can see that they pivot forward, but meet resistence from the metal line to the condensor. Can I disconnect this line wothout causing harm and have enough room to remove shrowd?

On my 190e I ended up taking the bumper off. It was just 4 screws, just be careful of the temp sensor.

Jim,

I considered the same, but discovered it would not work on the w124. Thanks for the thought.

I can no longer remember if the shroud will slip over both the fan blade and viscous clutch. If not, remove the fan blade that is held in place by 4 10mm hex head bolts. This is not difficult to do. If you have to also remove the viscous fan clutch this is much more of a challenge. If you go this far you might as well check the serpentine belt and belt tensioner for possible replacement. The viscous clutch is held in place by one allen head bolt located at the center of the clutch. I can't remember the size. The trick to removing this bolt is to "lock" the water pump pulley in place to prevent it from turning. There are two small holes in the water pump flange that the clutch attaches to (on the rear side closest to the engine). You lock the pump in place by positioning a fabricated metal rod (about 5 mm in diameter) into one of the holes with the other end braced against the water pump housing. There is a special tool for this but I think most who have done this job are able to fabricate something. The bolt is tightened to 40 Nm torque and so the pump must be held well in place in order to break the bolt lose and conversely to retighten.

Its too late at nite I guess. I just reread your post and realized that you are talking about the aux. fan and not the shroud on the primary water pump fan. Nevermind.

The aux. fan shroud is held together by plastic push-pins/rivets which can be pryed off with a screwdriver.

If you can remove the vertical bar between the bumper and top horizontal bar, you be able to remove the aux. fan shroud. Otherwise, the proper procedure is remove radiator, remove condenser w/aux. fan assembly attached, then remove aux. fan shroud.

However, why do you think your overheating issue is due to the aux. fan shroud?

Personally, I would get a new radiator, clean out any debris in front of the A/C condenser and behind it, flush the system at least 10-times. And fill with 40% MB Anti-freeze and 60% distilled water, plus a bottle of RedLine Water Wetter. Also, replace any hoses over 5-years old, replace the thermostat & gasket if over 2-years old, and get a new radiator/overflow cap (essential to holding the correct pressure).

I have a 1995 M104 AMG in my 1988 W124 wagon, and in 110F Las Vegas heat the temps don't rise past 90-C.

:-) neil
1988 360TE AMG
1993 500E

Thanks guys for all the input. Jack500, that was a great step by step. I will remember that for the future. Ke6dcj, one fan goes on while the other does not. I would like to check the electrical conection before ordering an expensive replacement.

Jach500, I am wondering if you have experience replacing the radiators on the w124 2.5's. Mine actually busted today at the top neck. Would you be able to help me with a step by step here?

Call Ryan at SilverStar Recycling (http://www.silverstarrecycling.com) and he can get you a used pair of fans (they'll check them before they leave) for about the cost of ONE new one if not cheaper.

Replacing the radiator is easy, however it is a lot of little steps. You're suppose to take off the fan which is a pain without the proper 8mm hex socket and holding tool, esp. since the clearances are all tight.

You really should get the service manuals or CD-ROMs. Heck, on ebaymotors.com there are bootleg CD-manuals for the W124, sometimes for less than $20!

:-) neil
1988 360TE AMG
1993 500E