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YOUR RESEARCHRadiator fan replacement, shroud screws need to self tap?
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three t25 screws
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Reported cause · Original poster
But my issue is the three T25 screws that hold the fan to the fan backing; they will not screw in past a few millimeters.
Radiator fan replacement, shroud screws need to self tap?
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Leading evidence: 'three t25 screws' (1 discussions report identifying this cause; no attributable repair resolution). Across 1 matching discussions, the most frequently mentioned possible cause is 'three t25 screws' (1 discussions; 1 report identifying it and 0 suggest it). The most frequently discussed action is 'Install fan balance weight' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
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Yep, as theprf said that is a factory installed fan balance weight.
Radiator fan replacement, shroud screws need to self tap?
Replace size somewhere in the my
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Suggestion · Original poster
Has anyone done this job and perhaps the screws changed size somewhere in the MY?
Radiator fan replacement, shroud screws need to self tap?
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One of my fans started squealing, so I ordered a replacement (non-Porsche, went third-party ACM brand). Got it all out and only broke one small plastic nub from the fan's backing duct (I still have no idea how that nub and washer was supposed to be removed).
But my issue is the three T25 screws that hold the fan to the fan backing; they will not screw in past a few millimeters. They get started okay, but then become impossible to turn. I found this thread from 10 years ago, which makes it sound like you have to rethread the sheet metal (though he is references imperial sizing), but it seems odd the sheet metal does have threads, and they seem match width to the first few millimeters of the T25s.
https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...ew-m-5x16.html
Has anyone done this job and perhaps the screws changed size somewhere in the MY? I have a 1999.
I've never done one of these but if it's just a backing plate, anything to get it to hold will do. I would take a drill bit, bore it out, stick a bolt through it and nut it on the other side. Again have never done this so am unsure of what it looks like - can't really tell by the picture.
FWIW, I bought a husky sae/metric tap and die from Home Depot for $100 that is guaranteed for life. Great to have available and have used it many times. A must have if you own a 1971 MG.
somehow it didn't post my comment...
i ended up just buying an imperial bolt that fit nicely with no drilling. loctitec and a washer and the nut seems secure.
the new fan blade came with this little tab attached. no idea what it is. wondering if a weight? disposed of it . hopefully right call!
I would have just got a used one from ebay. There r a bunch under $100.....this one is $30 with the resistor.
https://www.ebay.com/p/1411253298?iid=115235320610
Yep, as theprf said that is a factory installed fan balance weight.
The balance weight doesn't make it bad, most all precision fan blades are checked and balanced if out of spec. Its a rare fan blade/wheel that doesn't need a weight to get it perfect. If your old one didn't have one, it
might
have been knocked/fallen off and thats why the bearing/bushing started to squeal prematurely....
Depending on how bad the imbalance was/how heavy the weight was, the blade will be somewhat imbalanced causing premature motor bearing/bushing failure. However that will probably be a very long time down the road. If its bad, fan might make a little more noise/vibration, maybe. You could put your hand on it when ts running in high speed and compare that to the other side fan.You'll feel it if its bad...
If you can find where you tossed the balance weight, put it back. Even a body panel screw clip might be close in weight and snap right on the blade..? You probably can see the marks it left on the blade so you can put it back correctly....
I was in a state of "I JUST WANT THIS DONE" and didn't make right call to pull it off... I could probably see the mark where it was prior, but the thought of removing the wheel, the wheel liner, the dang blasted cross bar, and the entire radiator rear bracket just to get the fan duct off in order to put back on the weight--- and then put it all back together again--- I'd rather the fan die early and I just buy a new one... sigh.
Education can be expensive - both in money and time
You're probably fine. Just leave it be - if anything comes up, get another one per Jeeper's advice.
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