Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Fan clutch theads

[BudW]

Help,

I am trying to remove my fan/fan clutch and having difficulties. I purchased a 36mm fan wrench and from the top, trying to turn it to the drivers side. I have broke one big screwdriver and bent another one and I’m afraid something else is going to go/give before I get it off. I believe the treads is left-hand and I think I’m going the correct direction.



Any recommendations?

 

[vssman]

Your correct on the left handed threads. maybe you can try a prick punch near the edge of a flat to try to "shock" it loose.

 

[BudW]

I did use my short handle 3 pounder, but that didn’t get me very far. The fan belt likes to slip going in that direction (as well as distort my big screwdrivers).



I don’t think this fan has been off before, but I don’t think that would make any difference.



Bud

 

[vssman]

There was a recent post with a pict/drawing of a pulley holder that grabs around the 6 bolt heads on the pulley. I think I also have an autocad drawing of something similar. They are usually made out of 1/8 to 3/16 steel. The one I use is short with a square hole for a 1/2" drive breaker bar. PM me and I can either e-mail you a copy of the drawing (if you have software to view it) or fax it to you.



Paul

 

[Cooker]

I had a heck of a time getting my fan off for the first time. I finally used a chain wrench ($25 from Sears) to hold the pully. That was the ticket for me.

 

[chrleb1]

Might be a little crude, but works very well. I take a pry bar and wedge it behind the pulley and then i am able to take the fan off without the pulley moving.

 

[BudW]

Are you talking between the pulley and its bracket/timing cover or between the pulley and fan belt? (to keep the belt from spinning)

 

[chrleb1]

Between the pulley and the bracket. You are wanting to stop the pulley from spinning. Try and not put pressure on the cover.

 

[illflem]

Use and long drift or even a piece of rebar, place the end of the bar on the right side of a nut flat and give it a good whack with a hand sledge, don't be shy.

It will then come right off easily.

 

[Todd T]

i agree with punching/drifting it off



use a center punch and start a ledge then seat the drift and "whack" it. should come off then.



for you guys that store your fans over the winter use some electrical tape and tightly wrap the threads to seal them off from the elements and accidental strike from a tool or road depris that may damage the threads.

 

[BudW]

You have some good tips. Thank you. I'm now trying to get out of honeydo's, to try them out.

 

[Andy Redmond]

I had one once that the air chisel with a blunt end wouldn't break loose. .



Find and O'Reillys and "rent " their fan removal kit. It has a bar with a handle and a shorter piece of steel pinned to it ( a spanner), put it around two of the bolt heads, then put the cheater pipe on the 36mm. I think its listed as a Ford fan wrench kit and made by KD or Lisle. You might rest the holder on the steering gear. A slip is sure to take some hide off the hands with the sharp fan blades in close proximity.



I have a wrench that accompany's my CPPF dowel pin jig kit, that was basically described in an earlier post.



Good luck

Andy

 

[BudW]

Thanks Andy.

Actually, I got the Ford wrench set from O’reillys.

The second tool in that kit, looks like was made for the fords 4 bolt pattern pulley and does not quite fit ours. I even tried to take out 1, then 2, then 3 bolts from the pulley to get the other wrench to fit. With 3 bolts removed, it is a little too loose to do much good (other than to remove more skin).



I’m going to try the punch, then if nothing else, make the KDP fan tool myself.



Bud

 

[Cooker]

I understand what you are going through. Like I said I tried everything, I even tried the punch with no success, maybe I wasn't being agressive enough? A chain wrench to hold the pully, on the smooth part, is the way to go. It does not damage the pully other than scraping a little paint off.

 

[BudW]

Cooker,

The chain wrench, I have an idea what this looks like but do not remember Sears carrying this tool before, then again I was not looking for it either. Can you describe it so I can get a mental picture of it? I can’t picture it using a chain link chain. I have seen chain type pipe cutters though, but that wouldn’t be of much help.

 

[Cooker]

Here is a link to the snap on one. The Craftsman looks the same but the Craftsman website wasn't working right. I remember when I was at Sears they were not by the rest of the hand tools.



http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/pro_...8&group_ID=598&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog



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[BudW]

Thank you,

It does look like the chain type pipe cutter, which could be the reason I haven’t seen this one. I’ll see if I can obtain one for this job. I have a feeling I could use this tool in more locations as well.

Bud

 

[CumminsPower98]

I have a Ford fan wrench set also and was able to use the 36mm for the fan and then I made myself a nice spanner wrench for the holder. I just removed my fan for the first time to run fanless for the winter and even with the wrenches and a cheater on the 36mm it was real tight. I doubt a punch would have done the trick in my case either but I didn't try it so... It's crazy how something so simple can be such a pain if you don't have the perfect tool!



Mark

 

[illflem]

Even with the perfectly fitting wrench and puller holder that comes with the CPFF kdp jigs I've found the punch trick necessary enough that I've quit even trying removal without a good whack first. Worked every time for me so far.