Viscous coupling removal

[scubasad]

Can anyone tell me the difference between a standard 32mm spanner and the so called "Viscous spanner"? Having just trawled through the workshop manual am interested to know, also can you not remove using the old fashioned method of a large screwdriver and an even larger hammer.(sorry if this is making anyone squeamish!!) :yikes:

[Geobloke]

Can anyone tell me the difference between a standard 32mm spanner and the so called "Viscous spanner"? Having just trawled through the workshop manual am interested to know, also can you not remove using the old fashioned method of a large screwdriver and an even larger hammer.(sorry if this is making anyone squeamish!!) :yikes:

Hmmm I posted not so long ago a pictuire of said spanner! will have a look now!

Basically it has an offset head!

[Geobloke]

Hmmm I posted not so long ago a pictuire of said spanner! will have a look now!

Basically it has an offset head!

The spanner looks like this! It is about 6/7 quid from www.difflock.com

[si_guru]

Not sure if a standard spanner is too thick as well.

The hammer and screwdriver method may not be too kind to the supporting bearings!

[Geobloke]

Not sure if a standard spanner is too thick as well.

The hammer and screwdriver method may not be too kind to the supporting bearings!

A standard spanner is too thick and the plastic fan juts backwards to obscure the nut that attaches the viscous coupling to the pully.

[kevinrbeech]

I had to use a pair of mole grips on mine when away last time.
A big hammer is not a good idea, a small one is much better as you need a sharp tap, not follow-through.
Remember it is a left-hand thread.

[scubasad]

:D :D Thank you one and all , That answers everything quite nicely:D :D

[Roger Whittle]

The mention of screwdrivers is making squeamish, but needs must when the devil drives. As an NCR field engineer - forty years ago - a screwdriver to loosen inaccessible nuts was ..... just about acceptable. You can tippy-tappy until you have a good 'ledge' to rest the blade against, get the shaft to the correct angle then, hit it ONCE, VERY HARD!

[mala]

Hi everyone,

I could use some advice on this one too....

I am also having trouble with the removal of the viscous fan on my 300tdi.
I have obtained the slim 32mm (draper) spanner (£6) which is made of pressed steel. This has quickly started to deform under the hammer... (rubber mallet)
I am aware that it's a left hand thread on the coupling.
I have tried whacking the spanner with a rubber mallet to no avail.
The restaint to stop the shaft turning is supplied using the ancillary belt still mounted on all the pulleys - so maybe I can't jarr it in this way and the shock-load is being absorbed by the belt.

I've left some penetrating oil on it - again no luck, so I'm thinking of heat but worried about the viscous unit and bearing in there suffering.

I can't see how to lock it up to put some energy through it. I can't see a screwdriver and hammer working on this particular one - I'm begining to think there is no thread in there!

Are there any experts out there who can show me the way?
With this level of (no) success, a timing belt replacement looks harder than a trip to Mars!

Thanks in advance for any advice offered.:)

[mala]

Hello again guys,



I have tonight removed the viscous fan assy on my 300tdi.

Concerned about heating up the coupling but having given up whacking the spanner with a rubber mallet, I decided to try boiling water as a heat source.

I boiled up the kettle and carefully poured the entire contents onto the large nut - it took a couple of minutes of carefully aimed flow to heat it up - then back with the spanner and the mallet and after a few severe blows it slackened!

By the way - the spanner works but won't take much abuse!

Hope this might help someone else who encounters the same predicament

Regards
Mal

[Pete H]

Mal thanks for sharing that info, it all helps ;)

welcome to the forums fella :bigwave: