1998 Chevrolet Tahoe Fan Clutch Removal

1998 CHEVROLET TAHOE
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DAVIDV07
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Ok... call me old, but this is the newest vehicle I own and the water pump crapped out. I tore into it like I do to all the 350ci's I've owned. I removed the bolts attaching the pulley to the pump and scratched my head when the pulley came loose but the fan/clutch didn't. I've struggled with it for about an hour, until I had to ask God to forgive my mouth and quit for the night.

How does the fan/clutch come off. There's what looks to be a big nut, maybe 1 1/2" dia about 2" long between the fan and the water pump, looks more like a spacer. Is this thing threaded into the pump?

My Haynes manual is no help this time, it shows pictures and descriptions of the water pumps I'm use to seeing.

Any suggestion appreciated,

-Dave
Feb 8, 2006 at 11:18 AM
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CHEVY350GUY
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 109 POSTS
yes it is screwed in to the pump, it is either 1 3/8'' or 1 /12''. the easiest way is to put the pully and belt back on and remove this first.
Feb 8, 2006 at 11:24 AM
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DAVIDV07
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[quote:19d9f301ba="chevy350guy"]yes it is screwed in to the pump, it is either 1 3/8'' or 1 /12''. the easiest way is to put the pully and belt back on and remove this first.[/quote:19d9f301ba]

Thanks for the response. Left or Right hand thread?
Feb 8, 2006 at 11:33 AM
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CHEVY350GUY
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 109 POSTS
i believe right
Feb 8, 2006 at 11:40 AM

Suggested Repair

Reinstall the pulley and drive belt to hold the pump, then unscrew the large fan-clutch nut from the water pump. It is threaded into the pump (about 1-3/8 or 1-1/2 inch) and is believed to be a standard right-hand thread.

Conversation Summary

A 1998 Chevrolet owner, listed as a Tahoe and described in the post as a Suburban, was replacing a failed water pump and could not remove the fan clutch after unbolting the pulley. A large nut between the fan and pump looked like a spacer. The expert said that nut is threaded into the water pump and is easiest to remove with the pulley and belt reinstalled. Asked about thread direction, the expert said it is believed to be right-hand.

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