Will this work on a fan clutch?

[BamaMac]

Hey all,

Before I go spend more on a proper wrench...$19 plus $13 shipping... really ECS?

http://www.parktool.com/product/headset-wrench-1

I was curious if this might work on the fan clutch and anything that requires getting down there. The seller says it's approximately 10" in length, so I wanted to make sure this would reach the fan.

Would this be a good tool at a good price to have a 36mm and 32mm?

[flyfishvt]

I never needed any special tools to get the clutch fan off. Have you tried just putting a wrench on it and giving it a good wack?

[bmw325is1995]

I would just use a adjustable wrench. You need that special tool to hold the pulley. I tried removing mine today but didn't have the pulley holder so no luck removing it.

I tried hitting mine with a hammer but it didn't move.

[copcarguyp71]

I used a mongo big adjustable wrench and it worked just fine so I think that would work. I did have the "holding tool" though but like flyfish said I have heard of guys just giving it a good whack and having it work. If you are going that route make sure you do it with the belt ON and remember REVERSE THREAD on that.

[bmw325is1995]

I know its reversed thread. So clockwise. But mine has been on there for atleast 30k miles.

[flyfishvt]

Mine was on for 100k popped right off .

[E36BMWBUILD]

ive taken off quite a few different ones and some just pop right off easy and some will need the pulley holder for sure, try a screw driver first to counter hold the pulley and if it bends/ breaks it then odds are good youll need the tool.

[nighthawk328i]

I have a 32 mm craftsman wrench, fits over the nut just fine. I used a huge screwdriver to hold the fan still. definitely not the safest but it works just fine for me every time and it's free.

I also have that tool, I used it on the tie rods. It's pretty small, I am not sure it would be long enough or get you enough leverage for the fan clutch. Works for the tie rods though.

[bmw325is1995]

I tried holding the fan with my hand but the pulley still moved. I tried a block of wood. I will try to screwdriver method tomorrow. Could I break it off? I was in a accident so 2 blades broke. I'm replacing it with 2 12" electric fans.

[E36BMWBUILD]

no it needs to be screwed off, are you doing the fdm?

[bmw325is1995]

Yes

[E36BMWBUILD]

ok. you wouldnt want to remove the fan and install an electric one without a proper fdm.

[bmw325is1995]

I'm replacing the thermostat,water pump,hoses. Then doing the water wetter,distilled water, anit-freeze mix.

[mjcari]

Use a wrench for the neck of a bicycle. 32 mm - thin (stamped) and cheap.

[E36BMWBUILD]

I'm replacing the thermostat,water pump,hoses. Then doing the water wetter,distilled water, anit-freeze mix.

you need a 80* thermostat and switch on top of all that dude than youll be set! fdm-understeer has part numbers

[bmw325is1995]

were can I buy the 80 degree thermostat I can only find 92's and 88's

[BamaMac]

Ok.... So ill take all this as a yes? Lol

[flyfishvt]

Get the 88. with the electric fans you dont even need the rest of the fdm stuff. The fdm kit is for people who are just getting rid of the clutch fan. You're replacing it with an even better solution.

[bmw325is1995]

Ya just buy a big adjustable wrench.

What happens if I buy a 71 degree thermostat. Any benefits? I'm wiring them up to a switch so I can turn them on/off whenever I want.