Digging into the water pump replacement and actually forgot to try & remove the big nut that holds the fan on until I had removed the serp. belt and the tensioner and idler pulleys (dummy) is there any hope of getting it off without temp. re-installing the items to help hold it?? I understand there is a special tool available but haven't inquired about it yet so I don't know how it works. (Late 1999 7.3) Thanks!

 

& this ..

 

i pulled 1 of the bolts holding the fan about half way out and stuck a big screw driver in there and let rest against the AC pully and with a big pipe wrench i loosend the the nut...i did do this with the belt on... another option is take a old surp. belt and put it around the pully and twist a piece of square stock in there to hold it..kind of like a filter strap wrench...

 

The tool at the parts store you can use for free is really nice. I fought with that fan for a while and finally broke down and went and got one.

 

Here is a pic of fan removal tools I got off Maintain's info on that other site.

 

turn it to your left, Nooooo, your other left.


Fan removal tool from AZ is the ticket.

 

That is the exact tool set (AutoZone)I used a few weeks ago when I did mine. Lefty-loosy, righty-tighty. Mountain's You-Tube video was very helpful too.

 

Well, My closest AZ store has 2 fan removal tool kits for rent and neither is complete, I guess that the folks that rented them kept the size for the 7.3 fan nut, and the folks at AZ didn't catch it when they were returned.
I'm headed by the other AZ store later today and will check there then if that fails I will find something to improvise with.

 

A drift & a hammer ,tapping on the edge of the fan nut , will do ,also ....

 

Maintain's water pump r&r on youtube LINK

 

I took a pipe wrench, put it on the nut, then hit the handle (which was pointing straight up) quickly and firmly with a hammer. A few solid, quick hits and the nut was loose.

It worked like a charm and was the easiest thing in the world.

Stewart

 

Well now I've gotten the tool set (minus 1 piece) from my local Advance auto parts store...and guess what?? the size that would hold the bolts is missing!!
I'm going to get this nut loose if its the last thing I do!! (frusrtaiting)(SP)

 

End your frustration. See my post above yours. I couldn't believe how easy it was to remove the nut.

Just use one of these...


Along with one of these...


And strike the handle of the wrench firm and quick, and your troubles will be behind you.

Stewart

 

BFH meet BFW, problem solved.

 

Figured I would add to the list...

All you have to do is get a wrench that will fit.. pipe wrench and wrap the serpentine belt around the drive pulley several times and then around the fan pulley and then crack it loose with the pipe wrench...