912E Fan Bolts wont Thread!

[TurtleFox]

Hi all,

New owner of a 1976 912E. It was my father's and he just passed the torch to me as it's latest caretaker/custodian/preserver

I was doing some clean up, changing the fan belt, removing the no longer operational and missing some parts A/C unit, etc. In the process I removed the 3 bolts that hold the fan to the engine. When I go to put the fan back on, the bolts will not thread at all. I can't even figure out if they are lining up with threaded holes behind them. I'm a pretty decent mechanic, and I researched and looked at the exploded diagrams. I can see that the hub as three threaded holes on it. The bolts will go through the holes in the fan, and sometimes feel like they are catching a thread but not really. Is there some trick or something I am missing?? I can't get the darn fan bolted back on which means I can't enjoy this great fall weather for cruising!!

Thanks!

-Matt
1976 912E (Black/Black)
Alexandria, VA

[inaminit]

Hi Matt-I suggest that you post this question on the 912E help site-check it out

[mood]

There's a spacer between the fan and fan hub, maybe it rotated when you had the bolts out. Air conditioned type 4 powered VW buses have their compressor drive pulley in place of the spacer. Engines without that pulley should have a spacer.

[WFBowen]

Matt:
Are you certain that the fan is properly aligned with the small locating pin which allows it to be installed in only one position?

Bill