Comfort Master APU, engine cooling fan

For anyone needing to replace the 5" cooling fan located in the bottom of the APU. Don't pay big bucks to get a replacement CM part. Derale makes this fan, or one just like it, part number 16105. http://derale.com/products/electric...-filter-mount-13-16--16-filter-threads-detail

They are sold at many places that sell automotive cooling accessories. I found it cheapest through Amazon for $81. The only difference is the electrical connector, you'll have to put a new Weatherpack connector on, or just use the one from the original fan...simple.

 

It looks like this might not be an exact replacement. Cleaned up the old fan and it's a Spal VA31-A101-46S which is a pusher fan, the Derale is a puller. Otherwise they're the same. Amazon has the Spal 30103013 for $52.60. I'll be ordering one of those I guess, but the Derale will make a good spare for emergencies.

Spal site: http://www.spalautomotive.com/eng/products/view_axial.aspx?id=VA31-A101-46S

Quick tip: There are three bolts with nylon locking nuts, the one on the back left is longer than the other two because the fan bracket is thicker on that hole. Also there are oversize nuts between the case and the fan being used as spacers, make sure you get the bolts threaded back up through them and don't loose them. I used a 7/16 wrench and a 1/4-drive small ratchet with about a 10" extension and swivel to get them off and on without much trouble after removing the left side panel.

 

They say they're not reversible. Even the Spal fans have two part numbers for push or pull fans. It'll still cool it, but I would think as a puller it might suck up more dust and crap off the ground. So I'll get the Spal and keep the other as a backup, or use it on something else.

 

Oh, I'm sure it will run backwards, but the actual blade curvature is different. I should have examined the original better initially, but I ordered the fan before taking it out so I could be back up and running quick. It's working fine now. The only reason I'm replacing it with the Spal pusher fan is I don't want it sucking up a bunch of dust/dirt off the ground into the APU.