Use an Audi/VW tool to remove Vulcan 3.0L fan clutch

[mc17eln]

In my 2002 Ranger XLT with the 3.0L V6 (engine code U), the water pump does not match YouTube videos I found on how to remove the fan clutch. Neither the pump shaft nor the pulley has a hex edge for these fan clutch tools to help.

The Ford workshop manual for this model year and engine has this one liner for its removal:

5. CAUTION: The fan clutch has left-hand threads. Using the Strap Wrench, remove the fan clutch and the fan blade as an assembly.

This $16 one I bought doesn't work. Its nylon strap is strong but has too much elasticity.

At this point, I already removed the 4 bolts on the pulley, so the pulley was just hanging there, exposing the water pump flange with its 4 threaded holes. Then it dawned on me. I removed my Audi A4 cam sprocket with this counter hold tool. It comes with 2 pairs of screw-on studs, and the screw thread and size match the 2002 Ranger water pump flange EXACTLY. One of the reason I choose Ranger 3.0L is knowing that Vulcan V6 is metric like my Audi(s) -- and it pays off:

1. Use the same screw for the pulley to fasten the counter hold tool onto the flange. Take a bit of finest to get a tight fit.

2. Attach adjustable wrench (about 7/8" opening) on the hex neck of the fan clutch. The pulley can be moved around to make space for the wrench:

3. Counter hold tool after fan clutch removed:

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[mc17eln]

Two more places I used this VW/Audi tool on the Vulcan V6:

Remove and install cam sprocket:

Remove and install harmonic balancer bolt:

 

[O No 3.0!]

7/8 open end wrench & a hammer has always done the trick for me...