I'm in the middle of a head gasket change on a 22RE. I can't seem to get the fan clutch off . I got the nuts of the bolts that connect the fan clutch "base" to the pulley, but the base seems welded onto the pulley or something. I've wacked it with a rubber mallet and it hasn't budged. Is this normal? Is there some trick to getting it off?

 

Some can be quite stubborn !!

The penetrating spray of choice let sit for some time .

using a piece of soft metal a few taps with a hammer might break it loose.

It more then likely has been on a while

 

Ya they sit in a pocket and they are size for size plus corrosion.

 

I'm about to do a timing chain job
What area needs to get sprayed down?

 

The pulley that attaches the fan to the water pump. You may not need to mine came off easily but different climates can mean more difficult time getting it removed.

You have much bigger things to worry about like loosen crank bolt before anything else, don't forget the "hidden bolt" labeling everything and making sure to keep track of every bolt for timing cover- make card board template they must go back in correct location. See what happens when they are wrong...

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...arnage-296318/

Good luck