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Fri Oct 31, 2025 10:46 pm

PostPosted: Today 10:41 pm Post subject: Fan Shroud Rubbing desperate for help Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post Report this post to Moderator/Admin.
I just installed a 2054 into my 63 Ghia and having issues with the fan rubbing inside the fan shroud. I know there's been other discussion on this topic but still not having any success so desperate for help here. Does not rub during idle but hit the throttle and it rubs.

Things done:
1. Maxed out spacers in-between the alternator and fan
2. Tried two different fan shrouds
3. Tried 2 different alternator
4. Tried 2 different alternator plates
5. Tried running the motor for about 10 minutes trying to wear the metal down
6. W out the fan belt I can put my air ratchet to spin the alternator and no rubbing but as soon as I attach the belt and run the motor, the fan rubs
7. I see these marks inside the fan shroud but the direction of these marks aren't the same direction the fan spins so don't think this is where the fan is hitting.

https://youtu.be/xpAaVG3yLQ0?si=IJc2vZZH3sW0Kjpo

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_cat.php?cat_id=28

Any help is appreciated

Thank you!
Lee

Sat Nov 01, 2025 4:33 am

Typically a fan rubbing on the shroud is due to alignment fore or aft.

Loosen the alt. band just a little, start the engine and while its rubbing push/pull the fan shroud fore and aft and see if there is a sweet spot where the fan is no longer making contact with the shroud.
Once you find that sweet spot, try to hold it there and tighten the alt band.
You may need to adjust the fan/shroud a few times to get it right.

The marks on the fan shroud inlet are from the manufacturing process not, the fan rubbing on the shroud.

Sat Nov 01, 2025 6:14 am

67rustavenger wrote: Typically a fan rubbing on the shroud is due to alignment fore or aft.

Loosen the alt. band just a little, start the engine and while its rubbing push/pull the fan shroud fore and aft and see if there is a sweet spot where the fan is no longer making contact with the shroud.
Once you find that sweet spot, try to hold it there and tighten the alt band.
You may need to adjust the fan/shroud a few times to get it right.

The marks on the fan shroud inlet are from the manufacturing process not, the fan rubbing on the shroud.

Well...tried that also but willing to give it another go. I'd be willing to sped the extra cheddar if I knew where to get a good doghouse fan shroud and fan.

I'm considering ordering a welded and balanced fan to try that also.

Any suggestions who has a good doghouse fan shroud instead of Empi?

Thank you much!

Lee

Sat Nov 01, 2025 7:29 am

Well, a stock DH FS is the way to go. You can check locally for one on CL or offerup.
Here's one from the classifieds here.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2451846

I have a SCAT 36Hp DH FS on one of my engines and it works pretty well.

Sat Nov 01, 2025 7:32 am

67rustavenger wrote: Well, a stock DH FS is the way to go. You can check locally for one on CL or offerup.
Here's one from the classifieds here.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2451846

I have a SCAT 36Hp DH FS on one of my engines and it works pretty well.

Im running j tubes so no heater ports.

I look on the classifieds

Thanks!
Lee

Mon Nov 03, 2025 12:00 am

These fans have a tendency to crack around where they bolt to the alt. Keep in mind, when you rev it the fan pulls alot more air & that can make it flex toward the front of the car. Pull the alt. & check again where it's rubbing (& for cracks). You might need to remove some of the shims between the alt. & fan.
HTH

Mon Nov 03, 2025 9:12 am

Tha Driver wrote: These fans have a tendency to crack around where they bolt to the alt. Keep in mind, when you rev it the fan pulls alot more air & that can make it flex toward the front of the car. Pull the alt. & check again where it's rubbing (& for cracks). You might need to remove some of the shims between the alt. & fan.
HTH

This is exactly what happened to me right before the fan spun off of the shaft.

Mon Nov 03, 2025 2:07 pm

Have had this occurance on several occasions IF your fannis not cracked bent and you re positioned the alternator and shroud. The two 10mm bolts on the side loose till it’s test fitted. I have slipped a washer between the alternato and stand as a shim. Thats works for me chalked it up as variation of quality on aftermarket alternators. Might lose you points on your concourse restoration when the star belly sneatches make the rounds.

Wed Nov 05, 2025 8:04 am

Check to see if you have play in the alternator shaft. Pull it in and out. Shouldn’t be any play.
I had my belt too tight and it wore out the bearing which allowed fore and aft play. At idle there was no interference but once the fan got moving it would pull itself one direction and rub.