removing the fan

[chicagojeff]

Wondering if anyone else has this same apparently idiotic setup...PO has installed the 11 blade plastic fan onto the waterpump spindle in a way that mekes it impossible to remove without taking the radiator off! I need to remove to put on a my new gilmer belt, which is a short one, since it only goes between the crankcase pulley and the pump pulley. There is no clearance (well, about 3/4 inch) between the front of the fan and the back of the radiator...If it were on studs maybe this would make sense. But I can cram my finger in there and feel a nut. This is so frustrating....
thanks anyone. I suppose when I get it out it's a good chance to consider some of the options people have suggested...electric fan, electric water pump in addition, etc..

[john.p.clegg]

Why don't you just loosen off the four bolts holding the radiator (or take them off completely) and push the radiator forward a little?
John

[SADLOTUS]

Hi all,
I had a similar setup - that I did myself, whereby the plastic multiblade fan was v close to the rad in order to work properly and shift more air. I thought it was a lot better setup than a standard two blade fan and worked a treat. I reworked the rad so it could be taken out in about five minutes - just the two top bolts to undo, and the hoses. I asked in a previous post about whether or not people thought it put more strain on the pump, but the subject veered off towards the pros and cons of alloy rads and general running temperatures. I changed the small fan bolts for allen bolts but still had to move the rad to undo them.
Good luck and persevere, two apt words if you own a Lotus.

[rgh0]

I was looking at a very original twin cam escort on the weekend. These had the 11 blade plastic fan fitted as original. The clearance to the radiator was greater than in an Elan so you could get at the front bolts if you wanted to without removing the radiator.

Ford must have felt the load from the fan was not significant in affecting bearing life.

Rohan