TheSamba.com :: View topic - trouble removing alternator and fan from fan housing

Thu Jul 17, 2008 10:09 am

Hi. I have removed the doghouse fan shroud from my 65 beetle (1776cc motor, not stock, with dual carbs). The fan was making a noise at idle. I have removed the four bolts attaching the backing plate to the shroud. I expected the fan (still attached to alternator, of course) to pull straight out of the back of the shroud, but something is hanging it up.

When I look at the fan from the front of the shroud, I can see that a few of the fins look bent or crooked.This area is where I seem to be hung up. I suspect that this is why the fan will not come out easily, but I want to be sure I am not missing something else. Should the fan have pulled out of the back of the shroud easily once the four bolts were removed?

Thanks

Tom

Thu Jul 17, 2008 10:22 am

If you've pulled the shroud off the car and removed the 4 bolts it should slide straight out. If it won't come out, you've found your problem :) Either way I'd plan on replacing it. Can you spin the fan around inside the shroud and see it it will rotate to a position where it's not hanging up and pop out?

Thu Jul 17, 2008 10:26 am

When I spin the fan in the shroud, it turns freely in the shroud, but it just changes the position at which the fan hangs up on the rear of the fan shroud.

Thu Jul 17, 2008 10:32 am

Ok, is there any sign of forcing on the shroud? I'm wondering if it was mangled when it went in and you could match up the dent on the shroud to the dented fan.

Is it possible it's worked loose enough to slip on the shaft so when you're coming straight out it's off center? Trying to think of some solutions out loud to hopefully keep you form having to chop it out... I've been super lucky to-date and haven't had to extract a screwy fan from my cars.

Thu Jul 17, 2008 10:51 am

I didn't see any damage to the shroud, but I was planning on getting a better look after work today, hopefully with the fan out of it. At that time, I will also check the fan's hub and other hardware to se what might need replaced.

Thu Jul 17, 2008 11:40 am

try unbolting fan nut from the alternator to separate alternator. This way you should be able to see from the back side where it hangs up.

Anton

Thu Jul 17, 2008 12:21 pm

Anton, thanks. Yeah, I figured I might have to do that when I get home. I will take pics of the fan and post my progress at that time.

Thu Jul 17, 2008 3:20 pm

hi. got the fan out and found the source of my noise. A few of the fins had gotten loose and one fin extended a little beyond the rim of the fan. Here's a pic.

[img]http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=460587[/img]

Thu Jul 17, 2008 3:28 pm

sorry...let me try the pic again. will try as a link.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=460587

Thu Jul 17, 2008 3:34 pm

last try for the pic.

Thu Jul 17, 2008 3:38 pm

Use "Direct photo link"

I guess new fan is in order, get a welded balanced one.

Anton

Wed Jul 23, 2008 10:01 am

Just an update....

I have ordered a new, welded and balanced fan, but it is taking FOREVER to get here. I also am replacing my fan hub, as closer inspection revealed some wear on one edge. The shroud itself showed no damage. I only had part of my oil cooler's hoover bit remaining, so I ordered one...it has arrived and is in place. I did straighten the bent fins of my oil cooler, and it is now installed. Just waiting for the fan to arrive to put everything back together.

Wed Jul 23, 2008 10:04 am

make sure u got enough shims between the fan and the hub so it sits flat and not hangs up on the flares.

Wed Jul 23, 2008 10:29 am

Thanks Anton.
Between the hub and the fan there is a thrust washer, about 2mm thick, and there are also a few thinner shims that I can place between the fan and thrust washer or between the fan and lock washer and nut.

I had thought that the washer and shims were to keep the fan from scraping the fan shroud. Was I mistaken concerning their purpose?