95 E320 Acc Belt problems and concerns

[tbenner]

First, thanks for the forum.

I like this car a lot! But right now it has me perplexed. Shortly after buying it I went through the engine compartment taking stock of what needed attention and what needed just some tidying up.

The belt was cracked and the fan blade had some fingernail size chips. I got a belt and blade from Fastlane. I've been looking at the E Class Owner's Bible which made this look like a fairly easy job. Last night I opened the hood to size up the job, check what tools were needed, etc.

First thing I noticed was that the fan shroud is a one piece thing as shown in the Fastlane parts listing (G5020-16372), not the 2 piece shown in the book. Is this a later model mod?

Next, I could not find the tensioner clamping bolt let alone the tensioner adjuster. I lost some sleep over that last night. Doing a search here I saw some mention of using a 15mm socket on the tensioner pulley nut. Is this the case? could it be that easy?

Then I saw the tiny drops of coolant coming from the lower radiator hose. Maybe the hose clamp could just be tightened but maybe it's better replaced. The rad was recently replaced by the PO. The top hose from the waterpump looks new but both lower ones look to be original equipment. May as well replace those too.

The fan blade is now cracked down to the roots so the car is parked. I am driving the Town & Country today which stings a little causing delayed buyer's remorse. The car just doesn't look as tight and fit as it did when I first looked at it. Chalk that up to experience... I'll be more careful next time.

Obviously I need a real shop manual for this car and would appreciate recommendations and sources.

Thanks,

Tim Benner
1995 E320 141K