fan/clutch removal

[Ncostello]

What is everyone doing to remove the fan/clutch unit? Looks to me like its impossible to remove without damaging the radiator assuming the shroud remains in place. If the shroud comes out at the same time... it still looks too difficult to reach over, unscrew the fan nut while holding the fan weight... all the while keeping the fan blades perfectly vertical to prevent hitting the fins on the radiator... and lifting the shroud out at the same time.



On my 99 there was an more than enough room to do this w/o shroud removal or hitting the radiator.



I'd say my 91 has about 1" between the blades and the back of the radiator. So once I unscrew the nut... I'll be right on the radiator more or less.



Is it just hard to do and thats as good as it gets??

 

[JLEONARD]

I took mine apart to do the KDP fix by simply removing the shroud. there was plenty of room to work really... that's on an early 91 with the top flow radiator.

Jay

 

[tugboatphil]

I have seen Greenleaf several times, and I have done it once myself, remove the fan/clutch without removing the shroud. We used a 1 7/16 (I think) open end wrench and a BFH. Placing the wrench on the nut in a manner that will remove a left hand thread, the wrench is then struck "soundly" with the hammer.



Scott is very adept at this manuever and can do it with just a few hits. I was frustrated after about a dozen and was ready to try something different. That is, until he said, "Use the Force, Luke!" Using a somewhat faster swing, and as much follow through as the space allows, I had it loose in 3 more trys.



This method requires no holding or wedging of any pulleys or the belt. It really does work. After the fan is off, it is pulled up and out along with the shroud.

 

[ARhine]

my 93 it can be done either way. Just have to flex the rad hose out of the way. The shrouud you can remove the top two bolts that hold it in place then loosen the fan. The shroud just has clips on the bottom and lifts right out once you are ready.



Had no problems. Just remember to tighten the fan back up before you start the engine.

 

[bgilbert]

NC, if you like you can come down and borrow my Napa 36mm fan clutch wrench and pulley holder. This came in handy last year at the Smoke Over Peru #1 after GL was trying to remove Carl's fan for a good 15mins. I was like here, try this. I could also give you some tips on removal.

Err you're not asking this, you just wanna know how to get it out between the blades and radiator. . ok, I should read more carefully LOL. You should have plenty of room between them. Even if the shroud has to come out, its simple.

Also if you can't get the 36mm nut to budge, you can remove the 10mm bolts that hold the fan hub I believe to the block/head. Then remove the whole fan/clutch and mount.

 

[Ncostello]

Thanks for the words of advise. It's just alot more packed in there than 24v's. I have the wrench. I made it "custom" out of thin flat stock and a little longer than normal. Plastic mallet knocks em loose quick. I had the proper sized open ended wrench... but the head was too thick and never quite fit down in there on 24V engines.



I'm glad I don't have to remove the radiator. I usually like to remove the fan in frigid temps.