HELP!!!! Total newbie mechanic fan question...

[Eve]

k - so I got my radiator out with only a couple drops of antifreeze getting in my eye and a bunch getting in my hair. I am now cold and wet and tired (where is the sun??). Now I still need to replace my fan blade - how the heck do I get it off??

I found something that told me to get a fan wrench but the store didn't have one so I got an adjustable, tapped it to the left and turned counter-clockwise but the whole thing is turning and it's too dark to see if anything else is happening. Am I doing this right or have I missed something?

[nhdcoye]

Is antifreeze good for your hair ??

My yj is a bit different however found a good picture with directions for removal of TJ..
http://www.parksoffroad.com/johnsjeep/f ... xalite.htm

[Kurt]

Evelyn,

The FSM's instructions are...

4.0L Engine The thermal viscous fan drive/
fan blade assembly is attached (threaded) to water
pump hub shaft. Remove fan blade/viscous fan drive
assembly from water pump by turning mounting nut
counterclockwise as viewed from front. Threads on
viscous fan drive are RIGHT HAND. Using a suitable
fan wrench loosen the fan drive.

Basically the fan/clutch assembly is screwed onto the water pump shaft.
You'll need to keep the water pump pully/shaft from turning while you are unscrewing the fan/clutch assembly from it.

[Eve]

Thanks guys, I'm gonna try again in the morning when I'm dry and a little warmer. At least I know I'm on the right track!!

[johnsxj]

Evelyn, posted on your FB thread but I'll re-post it here.....

Forget the screwdriver!!!! I forgot newer Jeeps use a different holding system. If the pulley is spinning while trying to loosen the fan clutch, you can try putting extra tension on the belt by using a 3/8" ratchet or breaker bar on the belt tensioner (just under the alternator) to hold the water pump pulley. If that doesn't work, you'll have to remove the belt and use a strap wrench to hold the pulley.

[Baseshakers]

another trick is trying impact versus torque. i've tried a huge breaker bar and strap wrench and gotten no where, where a simple smack with the hammer broke things loose. once it's loose everything comes apart easily, so get out a sledge and hit some stuff. trust me, it works.

[Eve]

k - tryin' it all, gotta say though hitting stuff is my favorite so far! Tried a little this morning but now I think I should change from my jams. Neighbors think I'm strange enough as it is... If nothing else maybe I'll see if I can get away with just banging in the bent blade and changing my radiator, I don't think the blade touches it w/out the radiator being pulled forward.

[ZAEDOCK]

another trick is trying impact versus torque. i've tried a huge breaker bar and strap wrench and gotten no where, where a simple smack with the hammer broke things loose. once it's loose everything comes apart easily, so get out a sledge and hit some stuff. trust me, it works.

I wouldn't start hitting the water pump with a sledge.

The fan is threaded on, but there are still four bolts to grab on to while removing the fan assembly.

[Baseshakers]

sorry, let me clarify, i mean hitting the breaker bar with a sledge. (wrote that one too late last night). a sharp rotational load will loosen the nut.

[Eve]

lol - no worries, I knew what you meant, unfortunately it didn't work and I gave up. Decided to bend the blade back for now (I was tired of getting rained on), dropped the radiator back in (cursed out the engineers who designed it in a way that didn't like the original bolts) and it's running cool again - yay!!

Carl even popped over with a tool or two that came in handy - thanks again Carl!!

[schwalby]

I am guessing at some point you plan on fixing / replacing the fan so have you thought about doing the eletric fan upgrade?

[nostaw]

Changing the engine fan is a PITA.... I've done it a few times now on my Jeep and other's and it has resulted in busted knuckles every time....

JW

[Captian Carnage]

another trick is trying impact versus torque. i've tried a huge breaker bar and strap wrench and gotten no where, where a simple smack with the hammer broke things loose. once it's loose everything comes apart easily, so get out a sledge and hit some stuff. trust me, it works.

LOL Sometimes a wack with a hammer works good My came off very easy with a 12in adj and a pipe at the end to hit after 1 hit with a hammer it was hand loose it spun off just that jolt broke it loose The fan + clutch came right off I was surprised what little bolts held the fan on LOL
This was the only Stock replacement I did on the jeep went good all the others involved sawsalls, plamsa cutter + grinders or heat LOL

[ZAEDOCK]

I've never had an issue removing a fan because my arms offer ultimate torque.

[Carl McFly]

I've never had an issue removing a fan because my arms offer ultimate torque.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yeA7a0uS3A