280SL 1968 -- Radiator cooling fan

[Thierry du Laos]

Is it possible to change the fan, without removing the radiator?

[450sl]

Yes, loosen  2 bolts as little as 4-5 mm turn engine , loosen the remaining 2bolts, flange is slotted ,job done

[Naj ✝︎]

Hi, Thierry,

Tape a cardboard piece in front of the fan to protect the radiator fins.

The 4 bolts to referred to are on the viscous fan hub/water pump pulley. The fan can then be taken off the hub when off the car.
This may help:

https://youtu.be/UyIJMYAZb3A

naj

[WRe]

Hi,
leave one bolt in, just loosen it, it will help you a lot. Nevertheless you will be able to get the fan out. Be careful with the 4 bolts, their heads are smaller than usual and will be round very fast.
...WRe

[Tyler S]

If you have the short style water pump with the extension hub piece it is nearly impossible. The bolts are too long to clear the fan and viscus coupling to remove them.

[Thierry du Laos]

Thanks guys,
Just made the newspaper test and its OK, won't have to remove!!!!
It was a big job to assembly all, and didn't want to go in again!!
And I have the Frigiking air cond, wich is worse....!
That car is wonderfull, but not to fix.
Yesterday I spent nearly 3 hours to fix the left signal and charge lights, in the central indicator!!!!!
I love that car, but expect to spend more time driving now......

[alchemist]

I must add that if you have the original fan shroud like my 67 230SL, you have to loosen the shroud along with the fan bolts and pull both of them upward.

[Thierry du Laos]

Thanks,
I won't have to go through again as the news paper test was fine. So it will stay as I re-installed last!!!
Thierry