I did some work on the car, and I replaced the belt and tensioner in the process. However, when I put everything in place, I forgot how the viscous fan clip was installed and I ended up depressing the pin during install that was on the surface of the fan housing. Anyway, I noticed that the fan wasn't working properly (temps shot up), so I removed the clip thinking that this would re-engage the fan, and it did.

However, I didn't bother putting the clip back thinking that everything was okay. I logged around 500 miles so far, but today something alarming happened. I heard a loud squeeking sound inside the engine compartment and noticed that the fan was loose. It would move forward/backward with about an inch of travel.

Question: Did I accidentally destroy the viscous clutch (I haven't peeked since the engine's still hot). Should I have re-installed the clip? What did I do wrong, exactly?

Any feedback is appreciated.

Ron

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89 300CE
91 Supercharged Miata
99 E320 Wagon

Anyone?

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89 300CE
91 Supercharged Miata
99 E320 Wagon

Not sure what you mean by "clip" but if it is the metal strip accross the front center of the fan clutch you are not supposed to mess with it. I would suggest getting a new fan clutch coming.

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Jim

Engat,

I'm afraid that's what I was talking about. The clip looks like a flat washer with two tabs. I have the MB service manual on disc but couldn't find an exploded diagram.

Ron

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89 300CE
91 Supercharged Miata
99 E320 Wagon

What about the bolt that goes thru the center of the fan clutch. The one with the 8mm allen head. How snug is it?

I just removed the fan assembly, and I also removed the belt. It's not the viscous clutch that has play, but the whole pulley instead! I just saw an exploded diagram using a parts catalog, and it seems that it has an idler pulley. Could it be that this is destroyed, and if so, is it easy to replace? I still haven't removed the viscous clutch since the 8mm bolt is seized, and I have to lube it for a while.

Ron

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89 300CE
91 Supercharged Miata
99 E320 Wagon

I just looked at the Fastlane catalog and they show a picture of the fan bracket with a pressed bearing inside. Could it be that this is what broke, and can I just replace this as opposed to replacing the whole bracket assembly?

Thanks!

Ron

__________________
89 300CE
91 Supercharged Miata
99 E320 Wagon

You need to replace the complete bracket assy. Hopefully, the fan clutch will be ok.

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Jim