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I did get everything for my car, but it seemed as if i had bought the wrong fan clutch. I fixed the frame, radiator, headlight, and ignition parts. I really needed the car to run, so i put it all in besides the fan and the clutch. Im thinking of putting electrical fan.

Has anyone done it before? and what are your thoughts.


Thank you
Sev

I put the aux pusher fan from an E34 on my Bav. I use a 90/99 thermo switch and a Volvo 2-speed fan relay. It works great.

If it matters, I'm lost. I mean I know it doesn't matter, so I guess I'm just curious. Is all the fan clutch drama aimed at the car the elephant sat on the hood ?

I've changed out three fan clutches, two water pumps. The water pump flange for the fan clutch is the determining factor for the fan clutch. I.e., both types are still available. If you bought the big hex nut type, just my opinion, it will be far easier to return, buy and install the correct type that fits your water pump. For real, once the radiator is out to make either type accessible it ain't no big deal removing, installing either one.

Yes, I did get a wrong fan clutch. But I think the radiator seats close to the engine, so when I put the fan, it hits the radiator. Therefore, I want to put a simple electric fan in front, so when I am at a light, I can just flip the switch.

It's your E12, have it the way you want. By the authority vested in me.

The radiator does have to come out to get access with either fan clutch type. Once installed, unless you have a custom fat radiator, the fans fit. Or it must have before the old one failed.

But I'm a wiring dunce, to be inclined to avoid fooling with any electric custom anything if the stock stuff can be made to work.

T.Hanson wrote:It's your E12, have it the way you want. By the authority vested in me.

The radiator does have to come out to get access with either fan clutch type. Once installed, unless you have a custom fat radiator, the fans fit. Or it must have before the old one failed.

But I'm a wiring dunce, to be inclined to avoid fooling with any electric custom anything if the stock stuff can be made to work.

Nope, I can and have gotten the screw on type in and out with the radiator in place. No room to spare, but just enough. I'm not even sure I haven't gotten the earlier bolt on type out, but it could be faulty memory, it was a long time ago.

I have never had to remove a radiator to remove a spin-on fan clutch. What's great is that when it actually gets to the point of touching the radiator, it's ready to come off, but it won't fall. I still have the old style on the '75 so I will have to see about removing that with the rad still in place.

Another vote on no radiator removal needed to change the spin-on fan clutch w/ 32 mm nut.

It's been awhile but I know exactly what you have. You have the wrong fan clutch. There were two sizes. I couldn't figure it out for a long time and actually moved the motor back and shortened the drive shaft. I was baffled for the longest time. Recheck and then recheck again the part number for your car. You should be able to remove your fan with the radiator in place. No question. If it's not the clutch, look at the fan or water pump part numbers. They are really close if you are just looking at them.

Being able to R and R it with the radiator in place of course assumes no front end damage. I had a Bav way back when that was so tight as the motor mounts got older and softer, if I hit the brakes hard the fan would kiss the radiator ever so lightly. No damage, but I could hear it.