560 SL Heater Fan Motor. Couple Questions!

[Tom McMenamin]

I believe my Heater/ A/C Fan Motor is on it's last legs. It is a roar when you use the Hi Fan switch. That's the top fan switch. It sounds sorta like an airplane taking off and roars.

This job based on the archives looks pretty straightforward. I looked up the price on FastLane and summarily had a small heart attack. Looks to be about $500 and some change.

I also read a post from Donnie Drummond who was talking about this in a 560SEL a different car, but many similarities. He mentions a fan motor above the passenger foot area and it got me to thinking maybe I'm looking at the wrong thing?

At any rate, if it's the part I think it is that is just forward of the wipers under the hood, does anyone have any tips I should be aware of before I mortgage my house to by the fan motor?

I kinda feel like any screws or other side parts will need replacing once I get in there? I'm gonna try to ride this out till spring.

If anyone can give me a heads up on the part at a less expensive price let me know. As well, tips on install and removal also welcome!

Thanks!

[ctaylor738]

I am confused by "roaring." Sounds like the fan is moving air like it's supposed to. Is it whining like something is rubbing against the blades? Is it squealing? If not, it's probably OK.

It is easy to pull the cover off the cowl. Probably worth doing to mak sure everything is clear and to clean out the drains at the front on both sides of the blower.

To remove the blower:

- remove the top cover
- unplug the cable to the resistors and remove the resistor pack (2 screws)
- soak the nuts at each corner of the blower with PB Blaster and go to bed
- next day, remove the four nuts and lift the blower out. You do not want to snap the bottom bolts.

BTW - George Murphy has rebuilt motors and even new brushes for 25 bucks which will save you a ton of money if your motor dies (george_murphy@compuserve.com)

[YuCrew]

I sell brand new Bosch blower motors for the SL for $150. You may want to take a look at:

http://home.comcast.net/~yucrew/wsb/html/view.cgi-photos.html-.html

or

http://home.comcast.net/~yucrew/Mercedes_Blower.html

or go to ebay and enter item #7954178775 to see an ebay auction for this item. good luck.