type 44 fan saga...thanks to all involved

[only5kgt@uswest.net]

As it says above...
I posted a question about the fan/fuse/lack thereof in my 87
5kcst a little while back. I'd been waiting for the parts to
get here and get installed before I commented again. Now
that I have put in Blaufergnugen's $189 fan, new upper/lower
hoses, and the good used recirculation pump (thanks Chris
Semple!), a few comments:

The fan posed a bit of a headache. The part number was
identical but for suffix: 443 959 455, N for the new fan, E
on the old. The new one was a 7-blade model, the old a
4-blader. Fit well enough, until I installed the shroud/fan
unit in the car, at which point it began to rub slightly.
Grrrrr. I figured I'd rip it apart again, shim/trim/whatever
tomorrow after work (geez, bicycling to work is no fun in
105 deg heat). But I had movies to return and little
traffic, so I thought I'd give it the chance. By the time I
got home, the fan sounded smooth and unobstructed. Did it
clearance itself? I guess so. This part was off by about 1
mm, but still enough to make a playing-cards-in-the-spokes
noise. Anyone else observed this? Is this 443 959 455N fan
the much mentioned S6 upgrade?

The new fan is fused by the safeguard I devised when I found
the dealer would have to order the factory 200q fuse setup.
For those interested, it's a polycarbonate, o-ringed Monster
Cable tube-style fuse holder. Very trick looking in
gold-plated brass. Holds a Rockford Fosgate 80 amp fuse
(thanks for the specs to the multitude of listers who
responded). About $16 for the holder and $8 for a four-pack
of fuses.

Why, oh why, does that danged hose to the turbo coolant pump
have to be different diameters at each end? They caught me
with this one. Oh well. Nothing on an Audi is as easy as it
looks, huh?

BTW, my vote is keep the one big list. I agree, the volume
can be daunting. I however have a 200k mile (almost) type 44
and need all the help I can get! And it's always come in
spades! I have tried to put "44" in most of my subject lines
for exactly the filtering purpose under discussion today.

With the metal Modine and the 7 blade fan, this is one 5kt
that breaks no sweat when faced with Arizona summer weather.
Possible future additions include the Shogun pump.
With the talk of raves and ska and other tangential
interests I'm surprised to share with other listers, I'm
reminded of the "Chimp Channel" spoof with the Turko-Scots
terrorist. Factionism can be frightening and funny at once.
Keep the shiny side up, everyone.
Warm regards,
Rob