Possible to remove radiator w/o touch the fan?

[96ExplorerSport]

Hi

I have 96 Explorer 4.0 OHV and my radiator is leaking. Is it possible to pull it out w/o removing clutch fan first? i know most manuals suggest to use a special tool and remove clutch fan. I wonder if it can be done w/o touching to fan.

Also, I find different answers on the clutch fan nut thread. Which when do I turn it to remove?

Thanks,

 

[96eb96]

Hi

I have 96 Explorer 4.0 OHV and my radiator is leaking. Is it possible to pull it out w/o removing clutch fan first? i know most manuals suggest to use a special tool and remove clutch fan. I wonder if it can be done w/o touching to fan.

Also, I find different answers on the clutch fan nut thread. Which when do I turn it to remove?

Thanks,

I have the same setup as you and had NO problem pulling the radiator. The fan does not interfere at all with removal. Just leave it alone. Not much more difficult than an oil change.

Take the fan shroud off with two bolts, then the radiator with another two. Of course remove the auto trans lines and radiator hoses.

 

[96ExplorerSport]

Thanks!!! I wanted to avoid removing the fan if possible.

Did you leave the shroud hanging on the fan, or, were you able to pull it out?

 

[410Fortune]

shroud must hang on the fan until the radiator is out, then you can remove the shroud

IMO it is BEST to remove the fan and shroud, then the radiator, it takes 3 minutes to remove the fan with the proper tools

 

[96ExplorerSport]

Thanks guys! I was asking in case I am unable to remove the fan nut.

 

[96ExplorerSport]

Somewhat related question.

When very cold, how much resistance should I feel when I try to rotate radiator fan by hand? My fan spin with the engine on even when it's very cold outside and resistance seems to be the same whether truck is cold or hot. It turns 1/4 turn at most when I try to push it. Sounds normal?

 

[410Fortune]

Yup sounds fine
fan clutches work a good long time on these trucks, if your truck is overcooling or you hear the fan on all the time when its warm, then you may have a problem

if it freewheels when you spin it, you have a problem, stiff = good

 

[96ExplorerSport]

Removed the radiator last night. The most time consuming part was draining all the fluid The rest was pretty easy.

I am installing a new radiator tonight. It came with 2 adapters for transmission lines. Do I have to use teflon tape when attaching the adapters to the radiator? It looks like they have NP thread, so I would guess so. The side that attaches to the lines has o-ring, so no tape needed there I guess. Correct?

 

[410Fortune]

o ring = no tape

You do not have to use anything on those threads, however I choose to use teflon tape and make sure it does not block the path of the atf!

 

[96eb96]

Removed the radiator last night. The most time consuming part was draining all the fluid The rest was pretty easy.

I am installing a new radiator tonight. It came with 2 adapters for transmission lines. Do I have to use teflon tape when attaching the adapters to the radiator? It looks like they have NP thread, so I would guess so. The side that attaches to the lines has o-ring, so no tape needed there I guess. Correct?

Use a backup wrench on those fittings to be safe. Do not overtighten. Inspect for any leaks after a drive.

 

[96ExplorerSport]

Use a backup wrench on those fittings to be safe. Do not overtighten. Inspect for any leaks after a drive.

My Ford manual does not list torque for adapters, it does not even show them. I wonder what I should use, 10-15 lbs?

 

[beach]

Yeh don't over tighten, the factory ones the adapters go all teh way in flush if I remember. Generally the aftermarket ones don't, but won't leak or anything. Once you feel it get tight don't keep over tightening thinking it has to be flush. But that was on the 5.0, not V6. Make sure to put a little oil etc on the o-rings to hold them in place, they fall out easily, or at an angle that won't seal, and once that radiator is in you can't see squat.