Viscous fan replacement on M40 318i

[stew72]

I've recently had a specialist replace the cambelt, waterpump and themostat so now the temeprature gauge reads somewhere about right as before it barely moved as I believe the thermostat was stuck open.

Stuck in traffic last week I noticed the gauge moved from half way where it had been sitting to nearly 3/4's which caused a little concern. I've tried the newspaper test, at idle when cold it stopped the fan turning easily and when the temp gauge was showing half way it did the same. I assume that doing this at idle was correct?

If it was I assume I need a new viscous unit, so how easy is it to replace? I assume that its a left hand thread?

Where's the best place to get one, seen them on ebay at less than £30 delivered, are these any good?

And finally, should or could the specialist have spotted this or even caused the problem during the work they did?

Any thoughts appreciated.

[Rancid]

When mine went i repaced it with a new Sachs one, i was advised that they're the only ones to bother going with.
Yeah, it's left hand thread, not too difficult to do either, pretty sure there's a how-to written out somewhere i'll see if i can find it and post the link

[capri_rob]

Just bought one from GSF - about £30 - Made by Borg-warner IIRC

GSF do two - the one I got was the more expensive one.

[Billwill]

It is a left-hand thread....put a large spanner or large shifter on it and give it a sharp knock in the right direction. Then unscrew it and lift it out clear of the fan shroud.

[hongkongfuey]

Its 32 mm