ThePhoenix, interesting to hear the fan clutch should be stored vertically. I would call your local MB dealer's Parts Department/Service Department and confirm that is the case. I have a difficult time believing during transport and stocking of a fan clutch that it's always vertical. That requirement doesn't make sense to me. When I replaced the fan bearing bracket on our 1991 300CE the fan clutch was horizontal for weeks, and I haven't experienced any problem with it since reinstallation 2 years ago.

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Fred Hoelzle