That was probably just poor wording on my part.

I removed the fan/clutch assembly and set it aside. With the pulley still bolted to the bearing bracket (after removing the belt) it spun freely and didn't appear to make any noise. Same for the idler pulley, alternator, etc.

After that, I put the belt back on and ran the engine for a minute or two without the fan bolted to the pulley, and the noise was still there. That's what makes me think it's not the fan clutch.

The fan clutch does kinda look like it might be weeping a little as there's dirt build up sticking to the residue on the front... I'll replace it too just in case.

The alternator was new about 3 years go, so I'm hoping it's not the culprit, although the noise is in that general area - kinda near the fan bearing/idler/alternator...

__________________
Ty H.
'87 300E 135K Miles