1981 911 Fan housing/Pulley clearance

[eric z]

Help,

I recently replaced my alternator on my 1981 911 whale tail which I bought from pelican (The alternator)and I now have a problem which has me very concerned, i'm afraid to drive it til i get this resolved.

When I replace the fan housing and tighten everything down, I end up with very little clearance between the fan housing and the lower pulley. As a matter of fact, I can slide a piece of typing paper between the housing and pulley but cannot easily get a piece of 3x5 card stock between it, that’s how close it is! I have tried to loosen and tighten several times and I always end up losing the clearance when I tighten. Please tell me what to do, this is my wife’s baby and I want to get it back on the road for her! She hasn’t driven it since September. Thanks, Eric

[OldTee]

Take it apart, ie the fan housing and reset it back on the dowl. Sometimes we tend to turn the housing a little of just finagle it around until you feel it set in.

[cmonref]

What OldTee said. Then, when you get it seated, hold pressure against it while you tighten the strap.

[eric z]

Thanks guys, i have renewed hope. when the weather breaks here in Maryland i will give it a try. E