I have read that the engine could be removed in 45 minutes, well it took me a bit longer but without any serious problems other than the workshop manuals need a pinch of salt when working on a type R, (the missing link between the Fiat 500 and the 126). I have a small red scissor lift which is a brilliant tool when working on motorbikes and again on the little Fiat, highly recommended.
The fan shrouds came off OK although I lost count of the number of screws and certainly would not recommend doing this with the engine in the car. The problem was now obvious, the M10 nut holding the fan in place was not tight and also the friction washers were non existent so the fan bore is somewhat compromised, (that’s polite for knackered). So a new fan and washers and we will be back in business. But that leads to a couple of thoughts and questions.
There are two prices on the interweb for fans, either about £35 or £95. The expensive fan is touted as better construction and balanced, is it worth the extra cash?
The friction washers look like double sided emery cloth, could they be home made from emery cloth? Or perhaps simply coating the flange intersection with coarse grinding paste?
With my old bikes I have been able to find parts manuals and they are invaluable, certainly as useful
as the workshop manual; but I have yet to come across a Fiat 500 parts book, do they exist and if so where can I find a copy? It is tricky to order parts without part numbers and the parts books show where they should fit. I tend to believe whoever connected the fan did not even know about the friction washers; a parts book could possibly have avoided the whole problem.
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