How the heck do I get to the cooling fans? | FerrariChat
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How the heck do I get to the cooling fans?

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by JIMBO, May 28, 2010.

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  1. JIMBO

    JIMBO Formula 3
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    Jim DeRespino
    #1 JIMBO, May 28, 2010
    I tried this question in the TR section, but maybe it is more appropriate for the techies. I have a malfunction in the AC cooling fans in the 512TR. The fuse keeps blowing. I need to get to the fans and see what the problem is, but I don't know how to get at the little buggers. I can't even see a part of the fans from any angle, and I've replaced the headlights and removed the front skirt in the past. All I see is the top of the AC condensor. No fans. I know they are right there, so, before I go tearing EVERYTHING apart, I thought I would first seek some advice from the collective technical ferrari braintrust (aka, you guys). I am sure someone, somewhere, has had to access these fans at some time, so how do you do it? What is the sequence of dismantling to get behind the condensor? Please let me know asap.

    Thanks in advance.

    ...Jim
     
  2. JIMBO

    JIMBO Formula 3
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    #2 JIMBO, May 30, 2010
    Seriously, no one has any experience with this...?
     
  3. Robz328

    Robz328 F1 Veteran
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    #3 Robz328, May 30, 2010
    loosten lug nuts on front driver's side wheel (LHD assumed).
    jack up the car (place on jack stands or on a lift).
    remove front driver's wheel.
    remove wheel well panels.
    you should be able to see the fan forward of the wheel.
    there's only one.

    Diagrams are available on T Rutlands site.

    Sometimes a good cleaning will make it work...always better to replace or rebuild (clean up, replace brushes and bearings, etc). Be sure to disconnect battery before playing with electronics.
     
  4. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
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    #4 f355spider, May 30, 2010
    Fuse blowing is common issue on the 355. The solution is new fans, not worth the effort to fix. If the fan is a SPAL like on the 355, you can simply buy a replacement online for cheap. For the 355 they are only $125 each delivered, versus over $700 from the dealer. This is for the motor/fan and frame. The only difference is the OEM comes with a AMP water resistant plug. Simply cut it off the old and splice onto the new one. (new fans also resolve the issue of the fan blade separating from the motor shaft, which ultimately requires replacing the entire assembly anyway.

    Please post the fan model and part number, along with a picture and I can help match it up.
     
  5. JIMBO

    JIMBO Formula 3
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    #5 JIMBO, Jun 2, 2010
    Many thanks for the advice. Work constraints make any attempt at fan exposure impossible until next week, but I will post photos of the whole procedure and numbers as the project progresses. We have our monthly Scuderia Sarasota Ferrari dinner Monday, so I guess I'll be driving with the windows down. Not a hardship, unless it rains.
     
  6. saw1998

    saw1998 F1 Veteran

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    Scott
    #6 saw1998, Jun 2, 2010
    Jim:

    Are you speaking of the radiator and AC condenser cooling fans or the fan associated with the air conditioning climate control unit which circulates air conditioned/fresh air into the cabin?
     
  7. JIMBO

    JIMBO Formula 3
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    #7 JIMBO, Jun 2, 2010
    I mean the AC condensor fan(s) in the very front nose of the car.
     
  8. JIMBO

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    #8 JIMBO, Jun 13, 2010
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    OK, finally got a day off without interruptions. Up early, put the 512TR on the lift, removed the left front wheel, removed the six 12-mm bolts holding the access panel in place, pried off the panel and voila: no fans.
    As you can see, I have full access to the horns, windshield washer reservoir and pump, headlamp wires and such, but no AC fans even visible.
    There has to be a way to get to these fans. Surely someone out there has replaced a 512TR ac condensor fan or knows someone who has done it and can give me a hint. Please, it's going to be 95 degrees here in Florida today. I need my AC.
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  9. 2NA

    2NA F1 World Champ
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    #9 2NA, Jun 13, 2010
    Looks like it's in the center, ahead of the luggage compartment.

    You have more things to remove.
     
  10. JIMBO

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    #10 JIMBO, Jun 13, 2010
    Yup, I know where they are, I just don't know how to get AT them. There is no access from below, or from either wheel well, or from above or from the front, not even through the headlight mechanism.

    Does the whole luggage compartment have to be removed? Seems silly, but then again it's a Ferrari. I'm not afraid to dismantle the beast, I just want to do it right and not waste time and energy (something always goes wrong or needs fixing while I am in there anyway).

    H-E-L-P
     

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