Fan Removal

[juane]

Okay, I realize that if this is the biggest problem I run into I'll be leading a charmed life...

How the heck does one remove the fan - really the clutch assembly, from a late model SBC?

I got mine off but not exactly in the prescribed manner - it involved a BFH and a stick welder.
It's a good thing the water pump is not a core item- I doubt they'd accept mine in trade...

There is a big, a really big nut, behind the fan that screws onto the end of the water bump shaft.
The only wrench I had that would fit is a pipe wrench, which barely fit into the tight space between the fan and the pulley.

The real problem was holding the clutch assembly while I whaled on the wrench. There is nothing and no way to hold it.

I'm guessing that there is a special web strapping wrench that you use to hold the pulley. Is that correct?
Does AutoZone loan such a thing?

Anyway, here's where I at with things. Been pretty fun so far.

Ooh, give me a sec, I'm going run out with a Sharpie, while I'm thinking about it, and mark the front and rear of the fan. The reverse rotation fan. Don't want to find out I got it on backwards on my first run....

Oh yeah, should I get a new fan clutch? Do those things wear out?

juane

 

[gr8wrk]

Screw on fan clutch, right? There is a special wrench for that big nut, but good luck. Leave all the belts on, get somebody to hold the fan clutch from turning and hammer a corner of the nut with an air chisel. It's right hand thread so it loosens normally, to the left. Guys will tell you it's left hand thread, but it isn't. Guess how I know. This works almost every time. NOTHING else does. I know, it's ghetto, but it gets 'er done. Why GM ever did this is a mystery to me. Reverse rotation maybe. Anybody that's ever done this hates it, and has lost blood over it, and will do anything to avoid it. Old school was better.

 

[juane]

Yea! It's not just me then.

I had the whole thing (water pump and fan assy) on the bench. Actually in a big vice. I ended up welding the pump shaft to the hosing. Worked like a champ!

Hey gang! Check this out:
Anatomy of a 1FZ-FE (yes-I finally took it apart) - PerformanceForums

juane
'96 80 (1FZ-FE and A343F for sale at some point in the future)
'92 Legacy wagon
'06 Fisher HiFi
'92 Merlin rigid single speed - like discovering mountain biking all over again!

 

[Cruisergreg]

Oh yeah, should I get a new fan clutch? Do those things wear out?

They do wear out. False economy not to replace.

 

[2manycruisers]

I have one of those fan/clutches for my 4.3, but I've not dealt with install/removal yet. I'm hoping I make it work with electric instead (if I ever get to work on it again).

Engine looks good Juane, let me know when you are ready to sell it.