do i need the fan clutch tool?

[mr.vang]

i'm going to replace my radiator tomorrow, do i need a fan clutch tool or do i even need to remove the fan clutch?

[Massimo]

No and No.

The fan clutch just requires a spanner and a BFH and a lot of swearing, if it has never been removed before.

[george graves]

Are the fan clutches different on m42's? Someone told be that you can by a long spanner (32mm IIRC???) at bicycle shops - they use it for something - I forget what for. Just FYI.

[Massimo]

Are the fan clutches different on m42's? Someone told be that you can by a long spanner (32mm IIRC???) at bicycle shops - they use it for something - I forget what for. Just FYI.

IDK I just us an adjustable spanner and whack it with a big fucken hammer works every time.

[mr.vang]

No and No.

The fan clutch just requires a spanner and a BFH and a lot of swearing, if it has never been removed before.

it looks like i can slide the fan shroud out without removing the fan. the bottom portion of the shroud has a cut that look to be design to fit the fan when pulling the shroud upward.

[Massimo]

^
Correct getting it back in is a bit of a pain though.

[mr.vang]

^
Correct getting it back in is a bit of a pain though.

thanks, well see how it goes tomorrow.

[Ian Bowers]

You can slide the shroud without pulling the fan clutch, and put it back in. Not very hard at all.

Also: M42/M20 both use the same wrench for their fans, I think I picked up a 1.25" wrench from Ace Hardware for $13, was super thin and works great.

[Ryann]

You can slide the shroud without pulling the fan clutch, and put it back in. Not very hard at all.

I concur. No need to remove the fan/clutch assy. for radiator replacement.

[vpilarrt]

IIRC the fan nut tool is the same as an M20 (and most other models) but the water pump pulley holding tool is different.

[MikeDE]

^32mm/1.25" from Ace, cheap and effective. BTW, just incase you didn't know, the fan clutch is reverse thread.

[RoadWarrior]

Visegrips.. Take out that mechanical fan and throw a 20 dollar slim fan on there.

[immajackuup]

Visegrips.. Take out that mechanical fan and throw a 20 dollar slim fan on there.

i raise you with a plug and play e36 fan for 100 bucks new.

[bmwm42]

how much for the catch can