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1980 528i auto needs the fan clutch replaced. After research I have the one with the 32 mm nut at the rear,part #11521723918, that I assume tightens directly on to the water pump flange. My Haynes book only covers the older style fan clutch. My questions are:
Can I do this without removing the radiator?
Is this the one that is reverse threaded so it loosens to the right?
Any other advice would be greatly appreciated.

yes, it's reverse threaded and can be removed with the radiator in place. You may have to remove the fan shroud, it's been a while. Take a 32 mm wrench and place it on the nut, wack the wrench with a hammer and it should spin free.

...tom


From: pmaronoff <paularonoff@gmail.com>
To: tech_forum <tech_forum@firstfives.org>
Sent: Monday, February 06, 2012 at 8:26 pm
Subject: Tips for replacing fan clutch

1980 528i auto needs the fan clutch replaced. After research I have the one with the 32 mm nut at the rear,part #11521723918, that I assume tightens directly on to the water pump flange. My Haynes book only covers the older style fan clutch. My questions are:
Can I do this without removing the radiator?
Is this the one that is reverse threaded so it loosens to the right?
Any other advice would be greatly appreciated.




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I just did this. I agree with the first response, but can add that the fan shroud can stay in place. Also, I had to find a means of holding the water pump.

Thanks all. Would the BMW water pump tool be of any use? They sell a 32mm flat wrench and the water pump tool as a package on ebay. Here is one link if anyone wants to look http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-32mm-Fan-Cl ... 3cc1a8cec2

I use a 32 mm Craftsman wrench. I strike it hard with a hammer so that I don't need to worry about the pump moving. It usually only takes one or two blows.

Tom


From: pmaronoff <paularonoff@gmail.com>
To: tech_forum <tech_forum@firstfives.org>
Sent: Tuesday, February 07, 2012 at 3:57 pm
Subject: Re: Tips for replacing fan clutch

Thanks all. Would the BMW water pump tool be of any use? They sell a 32mm flat wrench and the water pump tool as a package on ebay. Here is one link if anyone wants to look http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-32mm-Fan-Clutch-Wrench-Water-Pump-Holder-Removal-/260947103426?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&vxp=mtr&hash=item3cc1a8cec2




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pmaronoff wrote:Thanks all. Would the BMW water pump tool be of any use? They sell a 32mm flat wrench and the water pump tool as a package on ebay. Here is one link if anyone wants to look http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-32mm-Fan-Cl ... 3cc1a8cec2

Yep, those work great

Paul, I have the correct tool you need: a long and very thin 32mm wrench. I would be happy to lend it to you free of charge if you are willing to pick it up and return it.

Ken

Applying some WD40 before swinging the hammer also helps.

The thin 32mm wrench is also available at bicycle shops.

Many people have trouble with it, I did the first time before I figured out it was left hand thread, but I can get my 10" crescent in there. That and a hammer and I'm able to persuade it.

Thanks to Ken B for the offer and I was wondering if some type of lubricant would help. So thank you for that tip. I went to a Carquest looking for a wrench. The counter man told me that they lend out the whole kit. 32 mm wrench and the holder for the water pump for 14 days. You must leave a deposit for the purchase price and get that back when you return the tools. So that is my plan unless there is another use for a 32 mm wrench on a E12. I ordered a Behr oem for $65. It should be here Feb. 15. The 18th is D Day. I will post the results.

You will laugh at how easy the whole job is. You should be done in a leisurely 20 minutes

Well everyone was right. This type of fan clutch is easy to replace. Caution note on Behr fan clutch. The one I bought on eBay did not fit. My water pump shaft needed a 32mm nut that was beveled to mate properly. The Behr unit's nut was flush and couldn't bite onto the threads. eBay store will refund. Bought one with a beveled nut, off and on in under 10 minutes.