Allroad viscous fan blade - different?
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Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Full-time Utah skier now
Prinz's fan perforated the radiator and the resulting overheat after the coolant ran out was very rapid.
It was his report elsewhere (and the cracks in my fan blade) that encouraged me to purchase the new parts.
The S4/A6 fans have zero history of failure like the AR fan, so it has to be a design failure.
It was his report elsewhere (and the cracks in my fan blade) that encouraged me to purchase the new parts.
The S4/A6 fans have zero history of failure like the AR fan, so it has to be a design failure.
Last edited by Kneale Brownson; Jun 1, 2012 at 05:16 AM.
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Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Full-time Utah skier now
Could you get to the holes for the pin wrench with the front end in place? Thanks for your report.
Ok. Just finished taking the blade and the clutch off, WITHOUT touching the front end.
1 1/4 inch wrench (only one I had that big. Probably a 32mm - for the visco clutch nut (note: left hand thread; turn CLOCKWISE to loosen.
Took the driver side air inlet tube off (plastic, from intercooler hose to throttle body boot): 2 hose clamps, 1x 10mm hex bolt
Take DV valve hose clamp off connecting to that tube.
Once the tube is out, stick 32mm on visco clutch nut.
Only tricky part: find a way to block the visco clutch from turning. the housing has 3 (?) holes to insert one of those pliers with 'pins' in the front (maybe Autozone). I always use a breaker bar with slightly angled head, stick it into a slot of the housing and wedge against the alu block that sticks out right next to the clutch housing.
Break the bolt loose, (clockwise!), the turn nut until fan comes off (with clutch).
Hole thing lifts out to the top. Voila.
1 1/4 inch wrench (only one I had that big. Probably a 32mm - for the visco clutch nut (note: left hand thread; turn CLOCKWISE to loosen.
Took the driver side air inlet tube off (plastic, from intercooler hose to throttle body boot): 2 hose clamps, 1x 10mm hex bolt
Take DV valve hose clamp off connecting to that tube.
Once the tube is out, stick 32mm on visco clutch nut.
Only tricky part: find a way to block the visco clutch from turning. the housing has 3 (?) holes to insert one of those pliers with 'pins' in the front (maybe Autozone). I always use a breaker bar with slightly angled head, stick it into a slot of the housing and wedge against the alu block that sticks out right next to the clutch housing.
Break the bolt loose, (clockwise!), the turn nut until fan comes off (with clutch).
Hole thing lifts out to the top. Voila.
AudiWorld Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2005
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IMO, removal of the clutch fan is best for modded and/or manual tranny Allroad. If you turn high RPMs, you will overload and stress the clutch fan and also have more drag on the engine. Installing and electric fan setup would be the best option.
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 809
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I personally haven't done the conversion, but there are a few who have. I'm actually looking into factory parts to use instead of aftermarket. One was possibly using the C5 4.2 setup, but it looks like it's a totally different electrical configuration that draws way more power. Still looking into it though.
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Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Full-time Utah skier now
My S4/A6 clutch arrived today. Still waiting for the fan. My AR is a manual, so I need to get the damned OEM plastic junk off before the cracks lead to fractures.
<img src="http://www.pbase.com/kneale_brownson/image/143309528.jpg">
<img src="http://www.pbase.com/kneale_brownson/image/143309528.jpg">
Audiworld Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 17
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i did the vast medium flow kit on my 02 tip when the stock fan gave up the ghost have not had a single problem with it and this fan wont kill my rad again u can find a copy of the instructions on line the kit came with everything you need good luck
Thread Starter
AudiWorld Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,668
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From: Brighton, MI
For the 2001 AR TIP, I took clutch and fan blade off for now. Works.
For my 2002 AR manual, I plan to take the clutch/fan off and replace with VAST high flow (it soon gets RS6 turbos, FMIC, 750cc injectors, 85mm MAF, clutch, etc). Figure it will help with flow through the FMIC and prevent 'destruction' issues.
The clutch/fan then go back into the 2001 TIP.
For my 2002 AR manual, I plan to take the clutch/fan off and replace with VAST high flow (it soon gets RS6 turbos, FMIC, 750cc injectors, 85mm MAF, clutch, etc). Figure it will help with flow through the FMIC and prevent 'destruction' issues.
The clutch/fan then go back into the 2001 TIP.
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Thread Starter
AudiWorld Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
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From: Brighton, MI
BTW: Always thought I had to take the front clip into 'service' position to get to the 3 Allen bolts for the blade.
Turns out its easier to take the clutch/blade off.
Only caveat: still looking for a good universal tool to lock those pulleys. I use a 1 1/4" open wrench (don't have big enough metric) for the clutch nut (note: left hand thread!)
Turns out its easier to take the clutch/blade off.
Only caveat: still looking for a good universal tool to lock those pulleys. I use a 1 1/4" open wrench (don't have big enough metric) for the clutch nut (note: left hand thread!)