79 SC 3L Fan

79targa · 08-14-2003, 04:26 AM

Starting about a month ago my wife noticed what seemed to be a scraping sound coming from the 3.0 L engine, at various times. She took it in to a shop and was told that the fan appeared to be making contact with the cowling around it and the fan needed replaced. A failing bearing perhaps? A month later and four fans she is told that a fan cannot be found to fit (tried four different kinds) and that the cowling needs replaced as well. I am now skeptical and wanted to get opinions from others. My wife was told (we are half a country apart right now) that this is the original fan and cowling and orginal fans are not available. Is there truth to this? I do know the cowling has the number 930 starting on it, but its been so long that is all I can remember. The shop told us this has nothing to do with a turbo fan changeover (I was suspecting maybe a previous owner had done this
even though its not in the service history docs). Thank you,

CS

s_wilwerding · s_wilwerding's Garage

I had the same problem. First, I yanked the alternator and had the bearings replaced. They needed it, but that didn't solve the fan problem. So, I took the fan off and put it on a metal lathe. While it was turning slowly, I filed off a little bit of the fan blades. I put it in, and it still made some contact with the housing. So, I ended up taking a Dremel to the housing and grinding down the area where the fan was hitting. Problem solved.

You can look for a new fan and housing, but those are expensive. Fans can be had, but they cost about $300. Housings are a little tougher to come by, but if you hang around on the parts classified section, you'll probably come across one. However, if the fan is not rubbing too much, you can try one (or all) of my methods.

HarryD · 08-14-2003, 06:09 AM

Try PARTS OBSOLETE, 13851 S.E. Eola Village Rd. McMinnville, Oregon 97128, Phone 503-835-2300, Fax 503-835-4000.

79targa · 08-14-2003, 07:58 AM

FYI, I got this reply from another list that appears to explain the problem. I was not aware of the difference for the 78 and 79 fan.

CS

-------
Chad...78-79 SC had a smaller fan and housing than all other air cooled Porsches...both before and after are larger diameter and
yes...this fan and housing are NLA...I suggest you change to a 80 and later fan and housing...you can sell your old fan and housing
to some racer guys and I even know someone looking for the 78-79 fan and housing for a spare....good luck and advise me if you
decide to update your car...