fan clutch install?

[funcrew]

Do I need to pull the radiator to replace an M20 fan clutch? Or is it possible to work from under the car and finesse it out of there with the rad in place?

[JTapper]

Just soak it in PB Blaster for a day, then use a 32mm wrench to turn the nut off. Don't forget it's left-hand thread.

I used a screwdriver stuck between the pully bolt heads to hold the pully.

[Sagaris]

The last time I did it, I did it with the radiator in place. It was just tricky to keep it from dropping down while putting it back on. I think I ended up spinning the whole fan to get the threads started then finished it off with the wrench

[browntown]

Shouldn't need to pull the radiator, but if you have a buddy, pull the hood to make your life easier.

[jlevie]

The fan and shroud can be removed from the top pretty easily. There is no need to remove the hood.

[mkcman17]

the only important things to note are that the nut is reverse threading, and i'm pretty sure you can't fit an adjustable, although it's a big ol' nut. no need to remove radiator, just the shroud.

[gverelli]

I just took off the fan shroud. Took about 30min max... The tricky part is re installing the fan making sure it didnt fall

[funcrew]

Thanks to all - I've removed that nut with the radiator out before, will try it pulling just the shroud this time.

[funcrew]

This was one of the few E30 repairs that went easier than I expected. Here's my old fan clutch - car runs much quieter now: