Mikea20

Hi all,
I'm new to the forum and to the 2.7 Allroad (but have had 1.8 & 3.0 A4s). I was digging down to the timing belt and noticed my viscous fan (radiator side) has several cracks around its circumference. I looked it up and apparently this fan can grenade while the engine is running. Anyway, I've done some research but am only able to find one or two threads that don't go into much detail (but mention the possibility) of permanently removing the viscous fan. Is this something some of you have done? If so, do you permanently remove the clutch as well? Otherwise do you just shell out the $100 for a new fan that may likewise eventually break apart? Apparently the A6 & S4 2.7's have different fan blades that are better, but are incompatible with the Allroad 2.7.
Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks
Mike

G0to60

I've seen a few cracks in mine and when I do my timing belt later this fall I'm going to remove the fan. I think I'm going to leave the clutch so it will just spin with nothing on it.

You can get a replacement electric fan from JHM but I've found that the two existing electric fans seem to do a good job of cooling the engine.

Kneale Brownson

The A6/S4 fan will work with an A6/S4 viscous clutch, which you need to replace to go that option. See: https://www.audiworld.com/forums/aud...laced-2828873/

If you go anywhere where you have long pulls on the turbos, you need that fan. Long uphill stretches at speed, hauling a trailer, etc.

Mikea20

G0to60- I was considering doing this same thing, just leaving the clutch, although I think there may be a separate pulley that may be possible to just leave in there and remove the clutch and fan.

Mikea20

Kneale- I read your earlier post titled "Explosive AR fan replacement FAILURE" and thought that it was a follow-up from your attempt at using the S4 blade which how I read it, made it seem like the S4 blade blew apart as well, not so?

Mikea20

Just reread your post, I was confused but now I understand...so would something like this work? or do you suggest getting an actual used fan off of an S4? Thanks:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Radiator-Cooling-Fan-Blade-Shroud-Assembly-/271523934480?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Make%3AAudi%7CModel%3AS4&hash=item3f38167110&vxp=mtr

Kneale Brownson

The A6/S4 blade set that blew up was a cheapie from FleaBay. It looked like a second and did not have any identifying label. The one I replaced it with that has been just fine I purchased for a few bucks more from Autohausaz and came with the manufacturer label.

You need both the A6/S4 viscous clutch and a good set of blades. Both can be had for less than the dealer price for just an AR plastic fan that's destined to fall apart eventually.

Be aware the open fan blades (without the AR ring of breaking plastic) make more noise than the OEM fan.

AutohausAZ-Mike

Kneale, thank you for mentioning us!

If you guys have any questions regarding certain parts, please feel free to PM or email me.

Mikea20

Thanks Kneale, A6/S4 clutch & fan on order. Glad I'm doing this while I have the front end torn apart. Thanks again.