Hello Gang,

Currently in the middle of doing a cooling system overhaul. Spent a good 30 mins to an hour trying to get the clutch nut off, the nut wouldn't budge at all.

After a few attempts of giving as much force as I can, i ended cracking the water pump pulley, and slightly bending a few bolts.


I'm not sure where to go from here. Is there a way I can get this off now? I read someone suggesting to take the water pump out with the entire clutch and fan blade attached. But as far as I can see, there's absolutely no room to maneuver all that off together?

Also, I was having trouble trying to get the pulley holder stabilized on one bolt while trying to crack the clutch nut with the 32mm wrench. I didn't seem to have this problem with my old e36. I would either keep hitting the thermostat housing, or the VANOS solenoid when positioning it.

Any ideas or tips?

Thanks

pictures