Fitting a GSF heater fan - this is how!

Thought I'd write up a quick peace on how to change a heater fan on a Mk1 Golf.

Have to confess that I've tried this before and failed because I didn't think it possible to get the fan out from the engine bay - I proved today that it is possible!! Thanks crazyquiff!!

Anyway, to do it you need to;

1. Remove the wiper mechaanism. Bit fiddly, but once out of the car you can then easily access the fan and importantly get it out.
2. Once wiper mechnaism is out you need to take the fan cover off (white plastic thing that looks like a collander and stops leaves getting it. It will bend and with a little force will come out. Nearly forgot - you need to remove the metal bracked that attaches from the bulk head to scuttle. About 5 inches long.
3. Next you need to get the fan out. Standing in front of the car, take the resistor pack off. Then pull the fan out and to the LEFT (Driver side as you look at the car). Then move it towards the bracket that holds the wiper mechanism. This is the tricky bit. You need to push it around this with the fan end facing you and the motor the car. You kind of roll it around the bracket. Once over that, it's then a case of taking it to the far left and out of the car!!
4. If you have a VW fan, then it's simply the reverse. The wiring is not an issue - again little tricky getting it around the wiper bracket!
5. If you have a GSF fan (which I did) It's slightly wider and the wiring is different. You basically need to buy a small connector and attach the wires to it so that it will clip into the wires in the car (attached to the resistor pack). Any good electrical wholesaler will have them. Best do this before you put the fan in the car.
6. With the GSF unit it has no vibration deadening 'tape' - take it off the old fan and glue on.
7. OK, so the new fan is sitting there. With the GSF one you need to cut away some of the plastic on the housing (on the right as you look at the car from the front). This will allow the spindle to spin freely.
8. Assuming your resistor pack is OK, just connect the wires up and way you go.

I changed the resitor pack (2nd hand) and the switch that changes the fan speed to be on the safe side.

It's the first time the fan has worked on all 3 settings in 13 years!!!

Any questions, drop me a line - it's a frustrating job but worth it.
   

is the resistor pack the tube like peice which is attached to the fan? like a pack of polo's? where you get your replacement from? can these be bought new any where? thanks

Thanks in advance I've swapped the switch as it melted due to the fan being seized, next to change the fan… this information will save me much swearing I'm sure cheers