Replacing Fan with welded/balanced fan????

I'm trying to replace the stock fan with a welded fan. I have
removed what appears to be all the bolts even the bolts holding
dowwn the alternator stand and still can't get enough room to lift
the alternator out of the fan housing(doghouse)Do i need to remove
the doghouse to lift the alternator out to replace the fan???
Please any ideas appreciated. The engine is a 2109cc dual carbs

Thanks
Derek

(Message Edited 8/15/2002 10:55:45 PM)

(Message Edited 8/16/2002 10:03:15 AM)

A Bentley VW shop manual will give you the right procedure, "Don't leave home without it...".

In my opinion welding is needed if the engine is to go past 6,500 RPM...I have never blown a fan below that point..I always use 20+ year old fans, however, as a new one might explode 1000RPM lower.

Balancing the fan is always a good idea..I have a mandrel for my balancer made from an old generator housing that I use for this.

As for replacing the fan you will have to atleast loosen the 2 6mm bolts on either side of the shroud to facilitate the lifting up of the shroud to remove the assembly....make sure you tighten the new fan to atlest the torque spec in Bentley...I use a higher torque

Thank You Jake as always!!

-Derek

I had to do this last weekend on my car, forgot what a PITA it is.

My solution was elegant, and simple. :-)

I removed the studs that held the stand in place, it all easily came out without disrupting the fan shroud and it's related components (flaps, thermostat, etc), and it's a biatch to put together again in place.

After shimming my fan, I reassembled with allen bolts (stainless, of course) which meant I didn't have to go above and down onto them during assembly. It was cake, and something I'll be doing to EVERY engine I assemble from now on, it saved that much headache.

John
Aircooled.Net Inc.

God, John, what a beautiful solution! Simple solutions are always the best... and allen head screws look better, too.