New fan mounting

Omathisen · #1 (**permalink**) 08-07-2010, 09:22 AM

Replacing my cooling fan - mounted in front of the radiator -- it is held in place with nylon ties. As far as I can tell, these move only one way through the radiator (once they go in, they do not come back out again). Can anyone tell me - best way to remove them is to snap off the heads and pull them through from the inside? Never done this before and would be nice to accomplish without screwing up.
Thanks.

mr0077 · #2 (**permalink**) 08-07-2010, 02:13 PM

If they mount like I think they do, the nylon "nails" are held on by the one-way "washers" and the best way to remove them is to cut off the "nail" heads. Not sure just where you would get replacements to re-mount the fans.

Rick Parker · #3 (**permalink**) 08-07-2010, 03:25 PM

NAPA has the attachment kits as do many well stocked parts houses, not to much $$ either.

Omathisen · #4 (**permalink**) 08-07-2010, 06:03 PM

I bought the fan from Jegs (16 inch Be Cool pusher) and it came with metal installation kit, but I also bought separate installation kit with new nylon ties, etc. which is how my current fan is attached.
Now, of course, I thought I was all set, but cannot disconnect one of the the electrical connectors between the old fan and the car's system. The ground will not separate so I probably have to cut it and install a new connector.
This is what happens when you spend your workday in offices and try to do something with your car on weekends. It is easy to do more damage than good. It is fun and rewarding, but never easy, if you are like me.
Hence, I appreciate the advice.

Rick Parker · #5 (**permalink**) 08-08-2010, 09:04 AM

Be patient, think it through. It will come apart. Disconnect the battery, perhaps a small screwdriver can be inserted in the connector to help lever it apart?? Just a thought....

cobrajeff · #6 (**permalink**) 08-08-2010, 03:56 PM

Although you can buy replacement kits to remount the fan with the plastic straps, I wouldn't recommend it. After a few years use, the nylon ties holding my electric cooling fan vibrated enough to damage the fins of my radiator, causing it to leak.

ERA has an installation kit with metal brackets for mounting the electric fan. I bought the metal bracket kit from ERA, and used it to attach my fan after I had my radiator repaired.

Jeff

Omathisen · #7 (**permalink**) 08-08-2010, 06:12 PM

Thanks.
Will try to be patient and will look into the metal mounting kit. Have had nylon ties for 12 years, however, and no problems. Fan is mounted in front so it is a pusher --16 inch. Has worked so far, but now it sound like it has pebbles inside it, so I dediced to replace. If I cannot do it, there is a always a shop, but it is more fun when I can do it myself.

Wbulk · #8 (**permalink**) 08-08-2010, 07:49 PM

I had also read that you should not mount a 16" fan with those plastic ties. I went with a Spal fan from Fan Man. Spal recommends that the 16 " fan be mounted 1/4" to 1/2" from the core surface. I looked at many ways to mount mine and finally went down to Kirkhams to get some more ideas. Tom let me look around and I took some pictures of their setups. I finally drew up some brackets and Kirkhams cut them out on their water jet for me at a reasonable price.