Fanclutch removal on '93 300E (2.8)

[dacia]

I have done this on my previous '86 300E, fairly simple, however on the '93 I can't seem to find the hole on the back of the pulley to put the special tool into to counterhold. I have looked with a flashlight, tried to feel it as well not much success. I removed the airfilter housing to have better access and I am using a tool that I made copying the MB original.
I need to change the fanbelt soon, it is in rough shape.
Any help is appreciated, thanks

Alex

By the way I have the CD set for the 124 model and the electrical troubleshoting manual is missing the wiring diagrams from model year '93 and up. Is it just mine (not original, copied version) or others have the same problem. Also, I found that the paperback (I have the complete set for the 124 but only up to '92) is more detailed and useful then the CDs (especially the 103 and 104 engine manual).

[RPM55]

The fan clutch removal is the same as on the earlier models its just more difficult to get the holding tool into the hole. The factory tool for doing this seems to be too short because the upper part of the tool hits on the coolant hose from the water pump to the front of the head. I made a tool to do this job using a long paint roller by cutting and bending to match the holding portion of the factory tool.

[DanielW]

I made a tool which I used easily. It was constructed from a "rat tail" file similar to a chain saw sharpening file. I used a file because it is made of strong material. I bent an inch (or so) of the tapered handle into approx. a 90 degree turn. The handle portion of the file is not so hardned as the file proper, but IS strong enough that even if a little too small in diameter will still not break or bend easily. Also being less than 1/8 inch at the tip helps to find the pully hole and makes insertion easier.

There were 2 holes spaced at 180 degrees from each other --- are you sure you turned at least 90 degrees while looking for the hole with your tool?

2. alternate way. (If you are going to replace the belt for sure). Cut the belt off and then use a rubber strap wrench (from Sears or other source) to hold during removal. Once you get the pulley off you should be able to fashion a suitable tool (to use on installing) since you can see the hole and trial fit the tool for bends, shape and length.

Incidentally, I could not find a 93 300E with a 2.8 motor on my cd files....Would that be a 103 or a 104 type motor ?

Good luck

[dacia]

Thanks guys, I will try again tomorrow. Daniel, the '93 300E 2.8 has the 104.492 engine which is the same as the 104.992 (3.2l) albeit smaller displacement. The same engine is used in the C280 car.

Alex