93 Accord cooling fan replacement

[AccordCodger]

I need to replace my cooling fan motor (bearings shot). I can't remember from years ago when I did this last --- is the shroud held by bolts at the bottom, or only the top?

[duffman_2869]

usually just bolts on the top, but not always

[AccordCodger]

Thanks, duffman_2869 - that was FAST! Peering down inside, it LOOKS like they are only on the top, but I can't be sure. The reason for asking is so that I can assess the magnitude of the task before starting.

I learned ONE lesson the last time I did this - get the right motor! I spent a LOT of time hacking the motor and the shroud to make them fit together. Why in the world I didn't just drive back to the store (without the fan installed) I have no idea.

Ss far, this replacement looks like an exact fit, but of course I won't know until I get the shroiud out and dismantled.

[AccordCodger]

Well, it turns out that there ARE bolts at the bottom. Theoretically, they only need to be loosened, but I have a feeling the cowl would be hard to get back without taking them out completely.

To get to one of them is easy - it's next to the cooling drain plug. But the other is behind the plastic undershield. I could get to it by removing the passenger-side plastic fastener, and the two passenger side bolts. That gave enough room to reach inside without taKing it off completely.

Also, the new mounting screws (after-market motor) wouldn't go through the brass bushings. Attempting to drill them larger just tore them right out of the cowl, so I threw them out and used washers instead.

Getting the cowl assembly back in was a squeeze, because the new motor stuck out a tiny bit more than the old one, but I managed it.

All working now (except that I think the OTHER fan is going out, judging by the noise!!)

[jeffcoslacker]

Hey codger, if you didn't already, take a look at my "'87 short to ground " post, see if anything comes to mind, wouldja?