Fan clutch removal

decoupe

decoupe

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I want to remove the viscous clutch and fan assembly - which I know is a reverse thread - and haven't been able to generate enough friction with the belt to overcome 12 years of torque slowing tightening on the threads. Any suggestions?

I'm not hopeful that once it is loosened I can remove it without pulling the rad but time will tell.

Thanks,

Doug
 
Try an air impact wrench. Start at a lower setting first so you don't just snap off the head of the bolt. The sudden acceleration has worked numerous times for me.
 
I've had it on with several fan clutches on different BMWs. I use a pretty thin wrench I got from a bicycle store, but I've seen others that are more robust.

My technique is to seat the wrench, then give the other end a sharp whack from a 2x4.

The impact process, sometimes repeated several times, has always been successful except for the clutch on my '83 533i. Even though I removed the water pump and actually destroyed most of it with various levers and pliers, it wouldn't budge. In the end, an indie put it in his big 'ol 9-inch jaw vise, used a 2-pound sledge to set the jaws tight, set a mackin' big wrench on it, and had a Babe Ruth swing at it. That slug woulda knocked anything well out of the park, and worked for that fan clutch.

Just remember, left hand thread, and make sure you're going the right way. Once in a rare while, some impact in the direction to tighten it may help loosen persnickety threaded fasteners. Counterintuitive, but true..
 
I take it that there is no way to remove the fan clutch assembly without removing the water pump first and doing this on a bench. A 1 1/4" wrench fits in between the pulley and the clutch housing so this should be possible but only if there is a way to apply force or resist rotation on the pulley. Nothing wrong with the water pump - just switching to an electric fan (3000 cfm 16") to be controlled by the ECU and a relay.

Thanks
 
if you fan clutch assembly is the early type, you have four bolts, but also a bended plate that avoids loosening of the bolts

i am not completely sure about them being counterwise

the tip of tightening first a bit and the undoing is good, use your preferred oil spray to help you too

in my experience it was no need to disasemble the water pump, more over, if you are experiencing problems in the clutch bolts, i cannot imagine what they will be the water pump ones, do not even try ! in my car from 6 bolts, 2 were broken in the operation, and the fixing was a PITA !

what is certain is that you need to dissasemble the radiator

you can follow this thread
http://www.e9coupe.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6020

if it is the later type, one central bolt, then i am sure it is counterwise, to block it you can engage first gear ! again penetrating oil may help
 
Fan Clutch

I converted my car from the centrifugal to a late style viscous clutch, I bought the wrench that fits the large nut at Northern Tool for $12.00. It just fits between the pump and pulley plus you can always grind it a bit if you need more clearance. As others have said don't forget it's LH thread. A dead blow hammer has always worked for me.

Doug
 
There really are 2 tools for this job- search bav auto for the holding tool.


KT20202
Tool - Fan Pulley Holder - Koch Tools*

$ 21.95

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