Removing the thermo-viscous fan

[Zoso]

I know this is somewhat basic, but I had a bitch of a time trying to remove mine when I replaced my thermostat a year or so back.

I have a few questions on how to get the fan off.

What tool do most people use to grab the nut? All I had that fit was a large monkey wrench and it ended up bending and breaking some of the cooling fins on the fan. I ended up giving up on removing the fan and twisted the thermostat housing through the fan blades. It wasn't optimal.

Also, it seemed that the crank would just turn with the fan. I couldn't seem to get a nice impact on it. Looking back, maybe I should have put the car in gear?

(BTW, I know it is reverse threaded.)

[aaron_silva]

Your fan shouldnt be attached to the crank nut. It is attached to the water pump. Therefore, putting the car in gear wont stop it from turning.

I used channel locks to remove my fan. To hold the pulley still I used a long screw driver wedged between the nuts.

Aaron

[m42 fan]

Here's the method I used to get mine off:
I took a long, thin screwdriver and wedged it between two of the bolt heads on the clutch. This was to hold it still. Next, I put a crescent wrench on the nut. I used a hammer to give the wrench several quick raps while holding the fan from turning with the screwdriver. I was able to break it loose after five or ten taps.

Hopefully that method works for you

Brian

[aaron_silva]

Also, this would be a good place to recommend replacing the water pump if it is original. The original impeller was made from plastic and it is not fun replacing it when it explodes. Hell, even the metal flange on that bolts to the timing case broke off when I started removing it.

http://www.yellowlightman.com/dmc/gallery/albums/userpics/10037/normal_121-2146_IMG.JPG

http://www.yellowlightman.com/dmc/gallery/albums/userpics/10037/normal_121-2148_IMG.JPG

Aaron

[D. Clay]

Here's the method I used to get mine off:
I took a long, thin screwdriver and wedged it between two of the bolt heads on the clutch. This was to hold it still. Next, I put a crescent wrench on the nut. I used a hammer to give the wrench several quick raps while holding the fan from turning with the screwdriver. I was able to break it loose after five or ten taps.
Brian Same here. I call it (the hammer) a shadetree impact wrench!

[Zoso]

Thanks guys!

Does anyone know what size wrench I'll need?


Shadetree impact wrench. rofl! :)

[dude8383]

Your fan shouldnt be attached to the crank nut. It is attached to the water pump. Therefore, putting the car in gear wont stop it from turning.

I used channel locks to remove my fan. To hold the pulley still I used a long screw driver wedged between the nuts.

Aaron

woah wait, thats a serpentine belt setup there..and you have an e30. Did you swap in a newer motor?

[Deutschbag]

Oooh serpentine belt.... do tell what's going on there, I've been looking into a serp setup since I bought my car.

[aaron_silva]

Oops sorry, I stole a pic from an M50. They have a similar water pump setup.

I do however have this sitting in the garage:

http://www.yellowlightman.com/dmc/gallery/albums/userpics/10037/IMG_0604Resise.jpg

:D

Aaron

[dude8383]

harbor freight engine stand ftw!

[Zoso]

harbor freight engine stand ftw!

What a coincidence! I was just looking through their catalog while taking a dump! Small world! :D

[dude8383]

What a coincidence! I was just looking through their catalog while taking a dump! Small world! :D

haha yeh man, great john material.

anyways its a good stand for the money. i bought the 750lb version.

[sheepdog]

When I did mine recently, I removed the fan blades, then went at the nut. I used a peice of angle iron drilled to match the bolt pattern to hold it in place.

[asubimmer]

I replaced mine w/ the factory pump. The aftermarket ones w/ metal blades don't always fit exactly right and they are heavier than the plastic one. The newer factory replacements have been improved. They no longer will self destruct lol. It helps to reduce the weight of the blades so that it is easier to turn, rev, etc. NEW PLASTIC ONES FTW!!

[M42boy]

Oops sorry, I stole a pic from an M50. They have a similar water pump setup.

I do however have this sitting in the garage:

Looks like a freshly rebuilt M50 at that! Who did the rebuild??
What do you plan to do with it??