Started to change out the water pump on my vehicle, but ran into a situation where I was unable to complete what I thought would be a simple remove and replace procedure. On my vehicle, I have a clutch type fan, no AC and power stearing. Removed the four bolts that holds the pulley onto the water pump shaft hoping that the fan and clutch assembly would come off. I've tried everything from trying to pry the assemble off, to attempting to unscrewing the clutch/fan assemblywith an over size crescent wrench. Has anyone had any experience with this type of setup and what is the proper way to remove this type of assembly?

 

There is a tool designed to remove the fan clutch , Its a right hand thread , which means because of the reverse rotation of the fan , it loosens opposite of most other applications . You have to hold the water pump pulley while you turn the fan clutch . If you face the engine , you have to turn the fan clutch to your left to loosen it . The tool makes its easy . Most auto parts stores will rent you the tool .

 

It is left hand thread on a 1984. If it has v-belts it is left hand thread when Ford changed to a serpentine belt/reverse rotation water pump it would be right hand thread.

 

Finding a wrench to fit the fan clutch assembly is not much of a problem but the tool you need is designed to fit the pulley on the water pump. I was able to use a fine tapered driving chisel and wedge it between the pulley bolts on the pump and the center threaded stem. It may take a little Umph' but I had no problem loosening or re-threading the fan assembly on to the pulley. This was something that I had to do in the field in a pinch. I did not have the proper tool and had no choice but to improvise. Having the tool is the best way to do the job, and you do not have to worry about damaging anything else, but it can be done without it. You just need to use your noodle. Good luck. Jake.

Jakegypsum // Ford fleet, soup to nuts.