Just helping out a friend (over the 'phone) with a Brazilian VW 1600. I haven't seen the vehicle or the problem. Seems the alternator strap has broken, the symptoms being the fan blades were rubbing against the housing. The mechanic is unfamiliar with our vehicles but says it's difficult putting the fan on by feel so that it sits centrally on the spindle. My guess is that while the fan was rubbing, the stresses involved somehow enlarged the hole in the fan. ??? I've suggested the mechanic fit a new fan. Does this sound the way forward?? Thanks in advance.
Depends how long it was running with the fan rubbing. If the strap broke and the fan stopped quickly it may just be bent but it will be hard to straighten to run true at around 10000 rpm. If it ran for any time rubbing hard or it runs off true because it is bent it could fatigue crack round the nut in the centre too if it goes back into use.. which could have more expensive side effects .. I would suggest trying a new fan.
AS above really. What I would do if it came to me to be fixed is this. Take alternator off compete, Don't strip it down at this Stage. Take fan housing off engine. sit it on bench. Re fit alternator to fan housing... 4 screws/bolts Spin fan belt pulley with hand . If the fan is buckled like a push bike wheel you will hear it and see where its touching the back of fan shroud. Also if the fan is buckled 2 places it can touch while being rotated is ... the fan housing and the back of the INNER back plate. The back plate may even be loose on the alternator. Its held on by 2 nuts. The fan should run nice and true when you spin it.
