190E Fan Belt

[Jeff T]

Planning to fit new fan belt to my 1991 190E this weekend. Haynes says I need to remove fan. Is this required? Can't I just release adjuster and then thread new belt around fan? Have not had a good look yet so not sure if its possible - just curious to know if anyone else has done it.
Car is non-air con and with power steering pump.
cheers

 

[TheJim]

Just joined this forum and I would be interested- as my 190e (which I have owned for less than a week) has just started an almighty racket from the water pump, so I shall be taking the radiator and fan out too if the Haynes manual is to be believed. Looks rather time consuming.

 

[joe bloggs]

No, easy job, fan can stay on, slacken 19mm bolt holding tensioner and back off adjuster until belt is loose, might be easier if you move the fan shroud out the way (2 clips on top of radiator). make a mental note of how the belt runs as it can be a bit of a puzzle putting back.

 

[mike65]

I'd take it off, I'm sure access to the 19mm nut is much easier with it out of the way,TheJim when you have the belt off give it a close look over for glazing and cracking If you see either its prolly time to buy a new one.

Don't overtighten on refiting, my own rough guide is to tighten until you can lift the belt so it (just) touches the bottom lip of the circular vacume fitting on the front of distributor (see picture).

Mike.

 

[joe bloggs]

Whatever you find easiest, but the nut is ok to get at (can be tight though, use a power bar to slacken it) Belt tension is regulated by the spring tensioner, just set it back where it was, watch the plastic pointer position on the tensioner body.

 

[TheJim]

Thanks Mike65, I ordered a new belt when I ordered the water pump. Might as well while I'm there! I've got to do the lot tomorrow, so you can take the warning of snow as being very serious indeed! My kingdom for a garage. Ho hum.
Still, it should be a baptism of fire considering I only bought the car last week. Start as you mean to go on, eh.

 

[Jeff T]

Thanks for all tips - I did it in about an hour Sunday - engine runs squeak free and annnoying rattle now gone as I found the alternator bolts were loose - now tight.
Left fan on but removed fan cowl entirely by cutting it across one side - you can then bend it and lift it out. Goes back in OK.
19mm tensioner nut came undone with a bit of leverage and adjuster was easy. Much easier job than the Haynes manual would have you believe.
158k miles on clock now and still going strong.
cheers