thrashingcows

Since I could not find a definitive thread on how to install a fluidamper, and CPS relocation kit anywhere on-line for a 1st Gen. I thought I'd do one up.

Once the timing case cover crank seal has been replaced, and the cover is back in place, you can install the fluidampr with the 4 - 15mm crank bolts. Then remove the two bolts on the lower LH side of the motor. The instructions that came with the CPS relocation kit were not very clear here. These are the ones you need to remove.



Then install the new spacer/bolts. These are 19mm.



And now the main bracket.

thrashingcows

Now it should have been easy and just re-install the Crank Postion Sensor (CPS) and adjust the gap... 0.049 to 0.051, and your done. Nope not for me!

Turned out the CPS I have on my motor is a little different. I tried every way possible to get things to line up. I was just not able to get any clearance between the CPS and the fluidampr.



Turned out that after searching pics on-line I think the mounting bracket changed at some point.

Here's my CPS and bracket....after my modification with the rat file.




And I was finally able to get my .050" air gap.

thrashingcows

Oh and one more thing with the fluidampr install. Make sure you put your belt over the crank pulley before installing the CPS relocation kit.

thrashingcows

If your installing a fluidampr on a non-IC motor (89, 90, early 91) then you should be OK with fan blade clearance, but double check first. On the 91.5 to 93 motors you are more then likely going to have clearance issues between the fan and fluidampr.

I had a new fan from a 2nd Gen on my 89 motor, with a new clutch assembly. I decided to compare it to the original assembly I pulled off the 93 motor. Turned out the fans are the same, but the clutches are a bit different.



but the distance between the end of the clutch bolt, and the body of the fan was different. The OEM 93 unit was a tad longer then the 2nd Gen fan and new clutch. The difference was about 0.20" longer for the 93 clutch.



So I swapped the fans around and used the OEM 93 clutch.

thrashingcows

So I first modified a washer that was about 0.125" thick. Wish I had a milling machine...I had to resort to rat files, and drum sand discs, and round flapper discs.



Once installed the fan was just kissing the fluidampr. So I needed a thicker washer. I found one spot welded to the old 2wd front cross member from the crewcab. Had to drill out 3 spot welds.



Then used a 60 grit flapper disc on my 4.5" grinder to slowly turn down the outside diameter....You can see it was a fair amount!!



This washer was about 0.20"...and was perfect!!

thrashingcows

Washer goes between pulley, and fan clutch nut.



And lots of clearance now....



So now you should be up and running even smoother now....

Rick 12v CTD

Seems like a bit of a hassle but good to know. I guess I'm lucky, I don't run a fan so it doesn't matter

Sent from Tapatalk 4 via a Galaxy S3

BILTIT

Yup I had to washer mine aswell, no cps to deal with though.

thrashingcows

I agree...was a hassle...but it needed to be done.

BC847

My install the the Fluidampr was the same. Seems I recall having to mod the sensor mount as well.

Had the same fan clearance issue and did the same washer fix.

- Since then I've learned some folks simplify things by using the appropriate thickness washer, but Small Enough to fit Inside the clutch hub.
- Seems I recall somebody made/makes a short extension for the threaded stump thingy to address the clearance issue.

Works great otherwise.

Nice write-up. Stuck.

thrashingcows

"Inside" the hub....Never thought of that!! Well that would have made things a tad easier.........

jimbo486

My '90 required an 1/8" spacer as well. I happened to have a washer of the proper thickness in my collection of hardware with just the right outside diameter to fit inside the pulley bolts. As for the inner diameter, as been said already, I filed it until it slipped over the hub's snout.

brcron007

How much does the fluid dampener really help & benefit ? Is it really worth investing in ? Just curious. Thanx

thrashingcows

Well on my 89 motor it sure smoothed things out. Especially at higher RPM's...that is where the fluidampr will outperform the stock unit.

My thinking is that if you can eliminate a bit more of the shake, vibration and harmonics, then your bearings, and motor might just last a bit longer.

BC847

Made my '93 idle smoother as well. It winds-up easier too.