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question on replacing radiator fan motor

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Old May 15, 2006 | 11:39 PM
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Default question on replacing radiator fan motor

I'm reviewing the Helms manual and the process appears quite simple. I'm going to replace the failed motor in the secondary fan. All I need to do in order to pull the fan assembly is to remove the 4 retaining bolts from fan assembly to the fan shroud, and disconnect the fan connector.

What I don't understand is the need to raise the vehicle. Can anyone explain the necessity of this part of the procedure?
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Old May 16, 2006 | 12:09 AM
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gee... I can't see why you would need to raise it either... but yours is different than mine, so I am flying blind.
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Old May 16, 2006 | 02:38 AM
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Does yours have the twin fan setup or the main (rear) and aux (front) like the 89-prior?
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Old May 16, 2006 | 02:58 AM
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When I replaced mine I never had to lift the vehicle but maybe a 90 is different than my 85?
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Old May 16, 2006 | 04:42 AM
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I don't think there is a need to raise the car. Just try it with the car on the ground then if a problem arises where you have to lift the car then go for it.
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Old May 16, 2006 | 06:27 AM
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Originally Posted by cuisinartvette
Does yours have the twin fan setup or the main (rear) and aux (front) like the 89-prior?
in '90 the fans were changed to a dual setup......main + secondary (both identical).....side by side, in front of the rad.
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Old May 16, 2006 | 08:08 AM
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I'm trying to remember from when I did mine, but I believe that it is easier to remove the shroud from the bottom than from the top.Then replace the bad motor and reinstall the shroud from the bottom. Good luck, Robert
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Old May 16, 2006 | 08:23 AM
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Robert, one thing.......the Helms said nothing about removing the shroud --- just the fan assembly(ies) unbolting the 4 bolts to the shroud. This is why I'm dumbfounded as to why the car needs lifted.

I realize this is all kinda moot, part of my point is to show that the Helms manual is NOT the god folks think it is. There's stuff that SHOULD be in there, as well as items that definitely SHOULD NOT, including outright errors.

Then when you get to the electrical stuff, it halfway outright SUCKS.

Last edited by Red Tornado; May 16, 2006 at 08:30 AM.
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Old May 16, 2006 | 10:07 AM
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Default I did one on my 90...It's been a while though.

I replaced one of the fan motors on my 90. I didn't raise the car that I can remember. I did have one of the bolts that was a bit of a pain to get to. I wonder if that is why they want you to raise the car. That way the inside botom bolt is easier to reach.
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Old May 16, 2006 | 10:10 AM
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vahroom, no doubt. beers & fans, this friday abound. thanks for your input.

and thanks to all for your input as well
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Old May 16, 2006 | 01:29 PM
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since you have the dual fan system, I don't see a reason to lift it...
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Old May 16, 2006 | 02:49 PM
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Originally Posted by bogus
since you have the dual fan system, I don't see a reason to lift it...
Andy, I'll probably lift it anyway, after a couple beers, with both arms, just for kicks
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Old May 16, 2006 | 02:53 PM
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Originally Posted by Hot Rod 90
Robert, one thing.......the Helms said nothing about removing the shroud --- just the fan assembly(ies) unbolting the 4 bolts to the shroud. This is why I'm dumbfounded as to why the car needs lifted.

I realize this is all kinda moot, part of my point is to show that the Helms manual is NOT the god folks think it is. There's stuff that SHOULD be in there, as well as items that definitely SHOULD NOT, including outright errors.

Then when you get to the electrical stuff, it halfway outright SUCKS.
Finnally someone agrees with me the book dosnt tell you how to do it just says do it. Im doing injectors on my 90 the fsm says remove runner bolts--yea right--dosnt say anything about all the pcs. you have to remove to get to them--not much better than my chiltons. Thats why im in here these guys are great--A huge help
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Old May 16, 2006 | 03:10 PM
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Originally Posted by mudslide
Finnally someone agrees with me the book dosnt tell you how to do it just says do it. Im doing injectors on my 90 the fsm says remove runner bolts--yea right--dosnt say anything about all the pcs. you have to remove to get to them--not much better than my chiltons. Thats why im in here these guys are great--A huge help
I have said it before, I will say it again. The Helm Manual is a valuable tool, and a must have, but it is written for the PROFESSIONAL tech who has the benefit of classroom time to go with the manual.
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Old May 17, 2006 | 09:21 AM
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Originally Posted by bogus
I have said it before, I will say it again. The Helm Manual is a valuable tool, and a must have, but it is written for the PROFESSIONAL tech who has the benefit of classroom time to go with the manual.
thats for sure. there's a alot of stuff in that manual that simply flies right over my head :o and there's alot of stuff that begs further explanation (you'll only get that from actual experience, which goes back to the original problem -- generally speaking i mean), and it isn't there. but you hit the nail on the head
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Old May 18, 2006 | 03:25 PM
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Originally Posted by Hot Rod 90
Andy, I'll probably lift it anyway, after a couple beers, with both arms, just for kicks
I would advise against lifting with both arms. I tried that and had to redo some of the paint. I think it was one of the veins in my right forearm that pushed in the bumper.
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Old May 18, 2006 | 08:40 PM
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HR90; I replaced the passenger side motor on my 91 last year. The reason it suggests to lift the car is because getting to the assembly retaining bolts (4) is easier for 3 of them from underneath, if I remember. In addition the whole assembly drops out from the bottom. I had to loosen up another on top part, which I can't remember now and although it doesn't look like it will drop out, it does. You then can R&R the motor on the bench.
Make sure you're getting power to the motor through the hot lead. If not you may have blown the fuseable link behind the battery. This could have burnt out because of a bushing failure which put an abnormal drag on the motor. Just my 2 cents. Good luck! Frank
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Old May 18, 2006 | 10:57 PM
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Just a thought, on my 91 the AC accumulator would be in the way to prevent removing the secondary fan assembly from the top This may be why the FSM says raise the vehicle so it could be removed from the bottom.
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Old May 19, 2006 | 12:00 AM
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Every thing in the manual starts with. "Disconnect the battery and raise the car" Even if you're only changing underwear.

I only use the Helm for diagnostic flow charts and circuit diagrams. The "How to's" on turning wrenches are kinda pointless. Remove the bolts to get the fan off... Uh, no **** sherlock!

The section on rebuilding the tranny was somewhat useful, but still over the top, and with unnecessary steps.

Last edited by CentralCoaster; May 19, 2006 at 12:03 AM.
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Old May 19, 2006 | 04:14 AM
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If you got an after market fan don't lose the plastic piece and the metal nut.
YOu will need those pieces to change to the new style motor.
The shaft is different than the old one.
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