by "If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent" (essextee)
Published 10/15/2017 at 15:42
by "If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent" (essextee)
Published 10/15/2017 at 15:42
Tags: Thermostat saga
STARS: 0
In order to change my thermostat housing (highlighted in pink) I need to remove the fan. The book procedure says I need not one but two special tools to do this. I do not have any special tools, let alone the two I need. Any tips or tricks to get this job done without them will be appreciated. Car is a 2000 528i.
"unclevanos (Ovaltine Jenkins)" (unclevanos)
10/15/2017 at 15:56, STARS: 0
I did the following on the e38 to remove the fan clutch:
Wedge a long flatblade against one or two on the pulley bolts, then put your 32mm wrench or adjustable wrench on the fan clutch bolt. Hold the flatblade with your left hand so that it doesn’t spin.Hit the big wrench for a impact clockwise, and the fan clutch should spin off clockwise.
"iSureWilll" (isurewilll)
10/15/2017 at 16:00, STARS: 1
You don’t need much. Usually you can get the fan loose by getting a 32mm THIN wrench on the nut and wopping it with a hammer a few times. If that doesn’t work, you’ll have to wedge a flathead screwdriver against two of the pulley bolts like already suggested. A good place to get a thin wrench that will fit is a bicycle shop. Tell them you need a 32mm headset wrench. Should be less than $20.
While you’re in there, will you be doing the waterpump too?
"Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!!" (eurylokhos)
10/15/2017 at 16:05, STARS: 1
It’s been a few years but when I did my E36 cooling system I bought a piece of flat stock metal that was about 3ft long and made the tool by measuring the distance between the 2 bolts on the fan and drilling holes for them in the piece I bought along with cutting a notch to clear the big but in the middle. Pulled out those bolts and used them to bolt my tool to the fan, then a socket on a breaker bar on the big bolt in the middle and it all came out. I wasn’t able to get it to work wedging a screwdriver between the bolts so I made my tool.
"ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com" (ita97)
10/15/2017 at 16:08, STARS: 0
I did this on my 2000 528i. You’re going to need the special tools, because there just isn’t enough space to get an adjustable wrench or a standard sized 32mm on the nut and a holder on the pulley. Amazon can bring you a VW/Audi 32mm fan clutch wrench that will work for the nut for not a whole lot of money. I guess you could mill down a regular 32mm wrench, but the machine shop time would cost way more than just buying the tool. In a pinch, a GM water pump pulley tool from your nearest retail lack of auto parts store can be modified to work on the BMW pulley. Drill out the bolt holes a bit larger and enlarge the center opening.
"If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent" (essextee)
10/15/2017 at 16:37, STARS: 0
Water pump has been done already