Engine fan replacement 1930 Model A

[Charlie Stephens]

Originally Posted by KCW

Got the old fan off! That was tough. Got the new one on, but with the fan belt in the pulley I can’t line up the center of the pulley with the water pump shaft? Any way to loosen the belt?

You loosen the belt by loosening the bolt holding the generator and moving it. I and not sure what you mean by line up, any photos?

Charlie Stephens

[Marshall V. Daut]

Unless someone has really cranked down on the nuts over those springs, there should be enough "give" to tilt the radiator forward. Don't forget that you are also pulling on the lower radiator hoses and water return pipe, which will offer more resistance to tilting than the two radiator mount bolts and springs. You could try loosening the mounting bolt nuts, but I doubt that will give you the extra tilt movement needed. Depending upon the angle of the water return pipe (it's variable), you may need to loosen the lower radiator hose clamps so that there will be more freedom for the lower portion of the radiator to tilt forward. That means, it will also be necessary to completely drain the cooling system in order to avoid one big wet mess.

Part of the difficulty removing the water pump from the head is the four pump studs. They stick out and impede an easy twisting and removal of the pump. While you have the pump out, replace those in-head mounting studs with the repo bolts that have the nuts integrated on their shafts. The next time you need to remove the water pump (and there will always be a next time with this design!), the studs will come out and you won't have to tilt the radiator as far forward for the pump to be removed sideways. This doesn't help you now, but it will later.
Marshall

[KCW]

Got the belt on the fan pulley but only did so by removing the belt from the generator. Not sure how I loosen the generator to get the pulley back in the generator. Tips appreciated! The is way harder than I expected!

[KCW]

Here’s a photo:

[Keith True]

Most of the time I just pull the generator bolt out to install the belt.You will find some manuals telling you to just that on the A.This isn't a modern car with a skinny belt that slides right over the edge of the pulley.

[bfrench1984]

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I need to replace my fan as well and this is a super helpful thread. Thanks!

[Big hammer]

I just replaced my fan belt, slipped the belt over the fan and no it’s pulley, next was to get the belt over the crank pulley which can make a preacher curse, next was the generator pulley, loosened the generator tensioner and the mounting bolt, making sure the belt stays on the crank pulley the fan pulley and roll the belt over the generator pulley by turning the engine over by hand.

Removal of an old squealing belt is simple, use a utility knife !

[Bruce of MN]

I got a one inch longer belt to make things easier.

[JayJay]

Deleted - duplicate advice.

[mleder]

KCW I think he should buy one more tool to help you on your Model A - Purchase the Les Andrews Model A Ford Mechanics handbook. It will walk you through most of the maintenance and repairs that will come your way

[jack wingard]

Originally Posted by mleder

KCW I think he should buy one more tool to help you on your Model A - Purchase the Les Andrews Model A Ford Mechanics handbook. It will walk you through most of the maintenance and repairs that will come your way

I agree best tool to have. I bought mine before delivery of my first Model A.
I'm still amazed that some Model A owners still use these old fan blades that are known to self destruct.

[KCW]

I think I’ve got to loosen the generator and then tip it towards the engine. Just having some trouble getting the bolt loose. Any tips? Thanks to everyone who has helped me with this. It has been a lot tougher than I thought.

[katy]

Originally Posted by KCW

I think I’ve got to loosen the generator and then tip it towards the engine. .

You got it, 1/2" bolt, should be 3/4" wrenches needed.

[old31]

Use a 3/4" socket with a long extension to get to the nut on the gen. Usually the nut is on the firewall side of the generator, but it also could be facing the radiator.

Also, get one of these tools. It helps when trying to stretch a tight belt on or off.

https://www.amazon.com/OTC-4521-Hose...%2C100&sr=8-19

[springerpete]

Back off the adjustment bolt on the generator position and tip the gen towards the engine block to loosen the belt. Also buy the water pump bolts from a Model A supplier that have fixed nuts. Whole bolts comes off block and helps remove pump assembly. SNYDER'S A-8501-mbm

[nkaminar]

To remove hoses, without the special tool of Post #34, twist the hose at the connection with a pair of channel lock pliers until it breaks loose. It can easily be removed then.

A light smear of rubber lubricating grease will make the hose go on easy and come off easy next time. Do not use a lot of the grease or it will contaminate the radiator.

[KCW]

Well - I finally got it done. Thank you everyone for all of the help: learned a lot too! Car running good but still other problems to fix. In to the next one!

Also, when I took the car out of the garage I found the broken fan blade. I don’t recall hearing it break but one day just noticed a terrible vibration in the car. The fatigued portion appears pretty rusted.

[Terry, NJ]

You are fortunate that your fan didn't come thru the hood! While you have the water pump off, check the bearings. Shafts that turn out of true, tend to wear bearings and beat up seals.You have, by now, noticed that the 3/8 X 24 studs really get in the way and cause a lot of grief with the radiator. These 4 "studs"are available as screws. They look just like studs with nuts but the 'nut" is actually the head of the bolt. good Luck!
Terry

[Sunny the Model A]

I had an original fan on my A when i got it and although it's like new old stock quality it was terrified to drive around with it since i knew what a bomb they can be. I put the 6 blade on it and am glad i did. the two blade fans are great ornaments to hang up in the shop, but on a car? nope nope nope. that's the one thing i don't like that Henry put on there. it's not the number of blades that bothers me since i get they didn't have to idle in traffic like we do now but the steel construction, particularly the rivet design scare me. i have a 2 blade as well i took off a car i'm helping a friend to restore, and it has rust holes in it and should it be ever run again it's asking for a hole in the hood. scary stuff

[ronn]

I got a one inch longer belt to make things easier.



so does it charge at twice the RPM?