BX23 transmission cooling fan 1 hour fix

[kw22614]

Welcome Andrew. My 1860 only has 53 hrs so far and I haven't broken my fan(yet?), but I'll keep this thread just in case, thanks.
I'm in Manassas too. :welcome:

 

[GolfAddict]

I've not had to replace mine (knock wood), so I admit that this is not coming from experience...

There have been quite a few threads on changing the BX HST fan on this site and other sites. From what I've read there is a difference in the method you can use to change the fan depending on the BX series you have. My understanding is pre-50 series, you can manage to get it done the way usmc5053 describes. But on 50 series and later BX's, you aren't able to. Here is one quote:

If you have a BX24 or newer BX series tractor the easiest way to change the fan is to loosen the engine and pick it up enough to move it forward far enough so that you can remove the engine to transmission drive shaft. It isn't a terribly large amount of work but you will need something to lift the engine. You will need to remove the floorboard and the rear fender to access this as well. The older BX tractor fans are able to have the fan replaced by removing the drives haft without all the other problems of moving the engine. The transmission is much more difficult to move or remove so moving the engine forward is def. the way to do it.

Again, I have no personal experience with this, but have read a number of times that on 50 series and newer, you have to either do the split or some guys have cut the new fan in half and secured it around the shaft...

 

[kw22614]

Thanks GolfAddict, will make a note of that.

 

[brassspike]

Broke mine today so I'll let you know how this works.

well, I have the answer and it does not work on my BX2350. Mine has a completely different rear set up for the rear spline. Why on earth do they have such a long spline shaft on the tranny? I did use someone's idea of drilling an access hole to the retaining bolt so that I did not have to completely disassemble the seat, fenders ROPS etc. I had to remove the hood, cut the engine loose from the little orange ho to get the engine forward enough to barely get the thing loose. ....whoever designed this should be made to change every single one of them his self!
I love my BX but this has me wondering if I need to look elsewhere next time.
I also had a couple of holes in the front boot so I am going to replace both of them now. OMG I don't want to do this any time soon.....and I'm using a lift!!

 

[Betelgeuse]

I just got my '07 BX2350 and it came with a busted HST fan. I got a good deal on it so I figure it's a small price to pay.
I've been perusing the forums about this subject and I was all set to go the cut, glue and screw method, but now I'm not so sure.

Has anyone tried disconnecting the shaft at the engine to gain some maneuvering room like 1acreandatractor suggests in this thread?

...
Well to put the boot on the front of the hydrostat shaft they said I would have to unbolt the engine and pull it forward..... So after looking at it I decided to try unbolting the knuckles(couplers or whatever they are) that connect the shaft to the engine. Best idea ever... instead of what they said would take 3-4 hours it took 20 minutes to unbolt those. Now just waiting on the boot to come in, hopefully monday, to put it back together. I will update when I get the boot in to let you know how it went.
Just wondering, has anyone tried removing these to replace the HST fan? With them out of the way you can move the shaft forward what seems to be 3-4 inches, which sounds like it should be enough room, instead of unbolting the engine. Hope I don't have to figure it out, just wondering...