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  #1  
Old 07-29-2002, 08:52 PM
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500E - one fan down

All,

One of my 500E's fans (electric) is inoperable. Are they re-buildable? Any tips on removing them? If I cannot rebuild it, do I have to buy both?

Any/all comments appreciated. BTW, that one fan lying there unmoving is making my car run 10-15 degrees above normal

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  #2  
Old 07-30-2002, 12:18 AM
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Michael, I had one go bad once on a 500SEL, started to run really slow and presumably drawing a higher current than the other. I ended up buying 2 new ones as I guessed the good one was sure to go too. I had to pull out both the headlights to change them. Once they were changed, I messed with the old one and ended up binning it as I was unable to repair it ! Good luck and don't wait too long before fixing it . . . . mmmmm don't want it running hotter than normal too long eh ?
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  #3  
Old 07-30-2002, 07:41 AM
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Thanks Andy; yeah, the car goes nowhere until this is resolved. It's quite hot here in the Northeast, so I don't want to push it
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  #4  
Old 07-30-2002, 09:32 AM
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Well, all, looks like the A/C evaporator has to come out-big job if you don't have all the proper A/C equipment. Looks like this is a job for a pro-oh well
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  #5  
Old 07-30-2002, 12:52 PM
Manu
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Hello Michael,

So the A/C evaporator has to be removed in order to change the fans? So sorry for my lack of technical knowledge, but is that the part which is located in/under the dash, needing like 7 or 8 hours to get to?

I am kind of scared as I am using a 98c Cool Harness and my fans are working overtime in traffic. I put in the CH to prevent any future majorly expensive failures but since the man-hour costs 120 $ an hour at MB Switzerland I'd be down for the same amount as a wire harness or similar part if one of the fan goes...

Judging from their position, I always thought they'd be pretty straightforward to replace...

Please keep us posted on how it goes for you.

Good luck!

Manu

1991 500e
1963 Impala SS
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  #6  
Old 07-30-2002, 05:12 PM
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Michael,

Replacing the fan(s) really isnt that hard. I had replaced my radiator, condensor, and fans on my 400E (same setup) a month ago when someone backed into my car. I did it all myself, VERY simple. You have to take the radiator out first, which requires the shroud to come out. Its a 2 piece shroud, kinda tricky cause its so tight in there, but not too bad. The radiator is simple, just remember to undo the 2 bolts on the bottom of it that secure the transmission cooler line to it. There is a drain on the radiator, front pass. side. You can turn it with your finger or a screw driver to drain the coolant.

The worst part is taking the condensor out, because your gonna have to open the AC system up. But, you have R134A from the factory in there so you are at a big advantage there. Whether you want to have the system vacuumed out by a pro or do it yourself (its enviromentally friendly) is your call. Me, I would just let it drain. Be careful not to bend or break the condensor fittings when you disconnect them. They are very fragile and flexible. Use two wrenches obviously. When you get them off, unplug the auxiliary fans (one plug, by the AC drier). The fans are actually mounted to the AC condensor, so it will come out as a whole. Its pretty straitforward once you get in there. Once you have the condensor out, mounting and unmounting the fans is self explanatory. Clean out all the debris being them blocking the fins. Also, replace the 2 green seals for the connections to the AC condensor. I received mine from NAPA, had the OEM size and fit perfect.

I forgot to mention, on both the radiator and condensor, there are 4 clips (2 a piece) that secure them to the front radiator support. When it comes time to remove them, use a needle nose pliers to large flat head screw driver. You will see what Im talking about. If you have any questions let me know. I dont think I forgot anything. Hardest part is probably the fan shroud.

Good luck.

-Andy
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Old 07-30-2002, 07:40 PM
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>The worst part is taking the condensor out, because your gonna have to open the AC system up. But, you have R134A from the factory in there so you are at a big advantage there. Whether you want to have the system vacuumed out by a pro or do it yourself (its enviromentally friendly) is your call. Me, I would just let it drain.

I should mention the extreme sensitivity of R-134 systems to moisture. An open system is an invitation to water vapor (even tiny amounts) to get in and become acidified in the closed running system. Goodbye evaporator, hello huge removal labor fee, ugh. Geez, the evaporators on the 124 cars reportedly die easily enough as it is; let's not give them further excuses to expire.

Any time that I have an R-134 system open, I plug openings as fast as possible, and when the system is closed back up, I take it to a pro to have it vacuumed out of every last bit of oxygen and every remaining water molecule.

Fans on this car appear to be doing great, but if anyone has any words about long-term upgrades, I'd be happy to take notes :-)

s/b
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  #8  
Old 07-30-2002, 08:33 PM
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Good luck Mike- let us know what turns out

btw- how many miles are on your 500e and are you running the cool harness CT sensor mod?

tks-fad

Last edited by -fad; 07-30-2002 at 08:39 PM.
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  #9  
Old 07-30-2002, 08:50 PM
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>The worst part is taking the condensor out, because your gonna have to open the AC system up. But, you have R134A from the factory in there so you are at a big advantage there. Whether you want to have the system vacuumed out by a pro or do it yourself (its enviromentally friendly) is your call. Me, I would just let it drain.

First off, that was referring to the removal of the 134A in there now. Obviously, once the system is open, plug all 4 openings, and when put back together, have it vacuumed out so it has a negetive pressure, and then charge it. That you will need to take to have done, but you can fully assemble everything right in your driveway.
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  #10  
Old 07-30-2002, 09:02 PM
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I spoke w/ Benzmac, who seems to think the fan can be removed without breaking everything open. I'm 1/2 way into it; will keep y'all posted
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  #11  
Old 07-31-2002, 12:43 AM
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Michael - I know the 500SEL is a little different in that there is a little bit more room. I had a look at the 500E set up today and looking at it, I would imagine it might be possible to change the fans without disturbing the AC components. If it was my call, I would certainly give it a try first before removing the AC stuff. I would agreee though that taking the radiator out would be a good move, anyhow, good luck, I watch this one with interest !
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  #12  
Old 08-04-2002, 09:41 AM
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Done!

To restate the obvious, Benzmac was right! It was a real serious PITA (used my 6 yr. old daughter to weasle a few screws into place-gotta love those tiny little hands), but I got it done without opening the A/C or cooling systems. Had to pop all the rivets that hold the electric fan shroud (headlights came out too), remove the inner viscous fan shroud upper half, and pop the clips that hold the radiator and condenser. This allowed enough movement to carefully bend back the outer shroud and pull the fan out (4 mounting bolts, 8mm). Carefull not to maul the condenser!

All's cool now-thanks for the support compadres.
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2014 E63S Estate
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  #13  
Old 08-05-2002, 12:57 AM
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Good job Michael! Aren't you glad you gave Donnies way a try?

Now I know things are tight on the 500E/E500's, but the aux fans are just as much a PITA on the handbuilts cars. I swear, Hans must have held the assembly in place while Franz drilled and tapped the holes, because there isn't any wiggle room. And yes, I make use of the munchkins in these situations too, those small hands work great for holding/starting bolts in the tight spots .

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