My service manual for the 96 Astro 4.3L engine tells me I need a special removal tool for the engine fan/clutch assembly. Where can I get this tool - or is there an easy way to remove the entire fan assembly?

 

Welcome to the forum. You can rent the J tool or equivalent fan clutch wrench from some parts stores. Without it there's no way to keep the water pump pulley from turning.

 

Thanks....appreciate your time and knowledge

 

You're quite welcome. Hope it works out for you.

 

I don't use a special tool. I use a big ol adjustable wrench and a large box end wrench (usually grab the 20mm).

The box end is placed over one of the four bolts for the water pump pulley in position to pull the pulley clockwise thus keeping the pulley from spinning and the adjustable is use the the big nut to turn the fan assembly count-clockwise.

 

Thanks for the update...now I don't have to rent the "special" tool (aka spanner wrench)...water pump replacement went well...210k miles daily driver should last for another 150k

 

Dude you don't need to rent, buy or barrow anything. Sometimes this site gives people so much unnecessary advice, an have people running around for no reason. Just use a wrench that fits the fan nut, an just smack it with a metal hammer an it's a done deal just unscrew it. Problem solved