I noticed the car would go up in temp at a red light or waiting in the drive throu's.

I checked the fan clutch and sure enough it was going. I ordered a new one along with the radiator drain cock, serp belt, thermostat and fan clutch.

I started at trying to get the fan clutch off and that didn't go too well. Fan clutch still in place. I went to take the belt off and noticed how loose it was. Got online and found out how to loosen the belt. I tried undoing the 19mm tensioner bolt and it wouldn't budge. I was able to get the old belt off. Anywho this whole time trying to manuver the fan shrowd. I finally put a cheater bar on the 19mm tensioner bolt and broke it loose. No idea why people think these things have to be so tight. I still get no movement in the tensioner using the adj bold. Tried loosening up the bolts above the tensioner bolt and yes again they wouldn't budge. will have to get a breaker bar to break it loose.

I started in on unscrewing the drain cock. And again stripped out the plastic piece of ****. I now may have to let radiator fluid run where it may and pull the radiator out and change the bolt.

What I have learned from this experience, I will watch was mb I buy in the future, the 83 diesel is more dependable at working on, may not be easier but I can get thru the job without undoing and throwing things. I have never thrown anything while working on cars. Today I threw a Nakamichi tape deck that was close by. After two days I am one step closer to having this 45 min job done.

The failure of the tensioner is common. You will most likely need to replace it.
There are instructions on doing this in the web.

Make sure you get a proper OEM tensioner replacement.

You are probably doing it wrong. I can pull my radiator in my 300e in 20 minutes. Once you pull the rad out, the fan clutch is right there. You won't have to weasel in a odd shaped Allen to make it happen.

As far as the belt, undo the 19 mm bolt, loosen the adjust screw, and reach down there with your hand and manually loosen the tensioner. Keep in mind you have to unscrew the tensioner bolt quite a bit.

Always research the job before you. Get started. Also, know when to quit for the day.

__________________
Eugene

10 E63 AMG
93 300te 4matic
07 BMW X3
14 Ford F-150 Fx2