DSE -Removing viscous fan when a sharp tap just isn't enough

mcapinha · Oct 13, 2012

I need to replace my radiator but I cannot remove the bloody viscous fan. I've done this several times in the past and all I ever needed was a 32mm spanner and a sharp smack to set it loose. I've managed to remove the old radiator by pushing the intercooler and oil radiator forward but the new radiator is thicker and won't go in the same way. I've tried putting a pressure plier in the shaft of the water pump but it will rotate freely before I'm able to undo the nut on the viscous fan.

Does anyone have any miraculous solution for this ?

(Please don't reply with "a vigorous tap will suffice".. i've done it that way many times in the past

)

wammers · Oct 13, 2012

Butchers way is sharp cold chisel on nut, and a tap with a one pound hammer.

Clarky130 · Oct 13, 2012

Get a blowtorch on the nut... then repeated sharp taps. That got mine off, and it looked like it was never going to shift at first...

seanmull · Oct 13, 2012

is it advisable to put a gastorch so near the viscus hub ?? i have seen 2 hubs that had chizel marks on them so it must be a common problem

jt_armstrong · Oct 13, 2012

+1 for the butcher method. Works every time.

jamesmartin · Oct 13, 2012

you should use a long flat ended punch ,and hit each flat in turn it will come loose and still be a reasonable nut

wammers · Oct 13, 2012

Clarky130 said:
Get a blowtorch on the nut... then repeated sharp taps. That got mine off, and it looked like it was never going to shift at first...

Yeah i've seen some of the RAF field service manuals. We had a Jag wing back with a piece of tin cut out of a petrol can, PRCd and pop riveted over a hole in the leading edge, brush over painted with camo. Bloody butchers.

mcapinha · Oct 13, 2012

I must be loosing some marbles... looking at the engine bay, do you hit the spanner to the left or to the right?

wammers · Oct 13, 2012

mcapinha said:
I must be loosing some marbles... looking at the engine bay, do you hit the spanner to the left or to the right?

The right on a doozel left on a petrol. Always in the direction the fan turns.

mcapinha · Oct 13, 2012

wammers said:
The right on a doozel left on a petrol. Always in the direction the fan turns.

Damn it, not enough drink in lhe house to drown this sorrow ...

wammers · Oct 14, 2012

mcapinha said:
Damn it, not enough drink in lhe house to drown this sorrow ...

You have been tapping it to the left haven't you?

dave4x4 · Oct 14, 2012

When I did mine, I also couldn't get the nut undone. Hadn't been off in 11 years plus I was knocking it the wrong way and tightening it !

I unscrewed the waterpump bolts and took the pump and fan off in one piece. Bit awkward but can be done. Then separate the pump and fan in a vice.

cheongthong · Oct 14, 2012

if you have a right spanner it will do the job

Datatek · Oct 14, 2012

cheongthong said:
if you have a right spanner it will do the job

Not always

I had to put the viscous back when the electrics developed a fault and the electric fans stopped working. Now I can't shift the bugger with either spanner or drift

Looking at hacksaw

dave4x4 · Oct 14, 2012

Do what I did and unbolt the water pump and take the two off in one piece.
Probably loose some skin off your knuckles.

When it was off I cut the top of the fan shroud with a bandsaw and made up a couple of clips either side to hold the top piece back in place. Next time I need to do it I can get easy access.

Datatek · Oct 14, 2012

dave4x4 said:
Do what I did and unbolt the water pump and take the two off in one piece.
Probably loose some skin off your knuckles.

When it was off I cut the top of the fan shroud with a bandsaw and made up a couple of clips either side to hold the top piece back in place. Next time I need to do it I can get easy access.

I can't reach those 10mm bolts, would need a long spanner. Not worried about the shroud as I leave it off with the electric fans in use.

jamesmartin · Oct 14, 2012

hitting each flat in turn will work ,ive had some tight ones but never one that wouldnt come off that way

Rick-the-Pick · Oct 14, 2012

I've always got them off with an air chisel.

Sit the blade of the chisel on the edge of the bolt & gently pull on the trigger. It spins them straight off. The diesel is clockwise to undo.

Grit Valve · Oct 14, 2012

A tyre lever on the front fan bolts will be able to hold it in place whilst you undo it with the viscous spanner

StuckAgainSteve · Oct 14, 2012

Rick-the-Pick said:
I've always got them off with an air chisel.

Sit the blade of the chisel on the edge of the bolt & gently pull on the trigger. It spins them straight off. The diesel is clockwise to undo.

Did mine with an SDS chisel.

DSE -Removing viscous fan when a sharp tap just isn't enough

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