Fan Strap Removal - Passing Strap Under Fan

[MrBonus]

So I managed to wiggle the original strap (77 motor) past the distributor but it seems to be hanging up under the fan. Is there a trick here or have I created a mess for myself?

I’ve tried using a flathead to pass it underneath but I swear the the strap won’t fit under the housing.

Any tips or tricks? I’d really like to knock this out easily.

[Walt Fricke]

How about lifting/tilting up the fan housing after removing the fan belt? You may have to loosen some of the shroud, as if replacing the alternator or the like. Not sure I have had to do this, but no special trick.

[Superman]

With the housing removed, the strap needs to be tweaked in order to come out of the brackets molded into the case. At the bottom, the strap goes through some passages in the engine case. The strap needs to be bent a little in order to get out of those passages.

[MrBonus]

Originally Posted by Superman

With the housing removed, the strap needs to be tweaked in order to come out of the brackets molded into the case. At the bottom, the strap goes through some passages in the engine case. The strap needs to be bent a little in order to get out of those passages.

Needlenose locking plyers don’t fail me now.

[Showdown]

If I recall correctly the shroud and fan housing need to be removed as the strap is threaded through some tight spots and needs to change angles a few times to be unthreaded.

I ended up cutting mine off as it was rusty and replacing it with a rennline strap.

If you zoom in at the bottom of the pic to the right of where the coil is resting you can see the passage way. Very tight.

[john walker's workshop]

The oil pressure switch is in the way also. Loosen the fittings and lay it flat.
The strap is installed before the fan housing.

[Rodsrsr]

It can be done without removing anything. I ran into this same issue with my 3.2. Installed the fan, shroud and than the strap. It was difficult but I think I used a long screwdriver and tapped it in on the tight spots. It was a pain but I eventually got it on.

[Antomero]

If you loosen the fan or remove the distributor rotor it will make your life easier. Ive done this job both with the fan on and off. With the fan on you would need to bend the strap so that it passes a little bump on the engine case. You could use a long thin screw driver to help guide the strap over the bump. If you remove or loosen the fan you will be able to see much clearer on how to guide the strap loose. Good luck!

[MrBonus]

I ended up removing the fan from the shroud until I could wiggle it through. Thanks, all!

What an unexpectedly difficult job.

[proporsche]

well? if you would removed the distributor and the oil press.sending unit(as John W.suggest) it will be done in 10 minutes..piece of cake...

Ivan
glad you made it thou;-)

[MrBonus]

Originally Posted by proporsche

well? if you would removed the distributor and the oil press.sending unit(as John W.suggest) it will be done in 10 minutes..piece of cake...

Ivan
glad you made it thou;-)

I spent most of my time trying to force it through under the housing. Had I cut it to begin with, it would have been a quick job.

At least I learned something from the process.

[proporsche]

yup, no big deal we all learn about this beasts every day, even pro`s ;-)
Engine looks good...

Ivan

[proporsche]

looking at your new strap ..those connecting pieces ,could be removed prior installing the strap? or you had to bolted it on the strap after you slide it through?
Ivan

[MrBonus]

Originally Posted by proporsche

looking at your new strap ..those connecting pieces ,could be removed prior installing the strap? or you had to bolted it on the strap after you slide it through?
Ivan

Yes, the mounting brackets are secured by two screws. Just remove one side then feed it under. I used a pair of forceps to pull it underneath then remount the bracket. Super easy.