The fan is easily removed for inspection. Remove the 3 bolts holding it to the hub. The hub has a taper so to remove that a puller may be needed after removing the center bolt. Something may have gotten behind it or the fan housing came loose. If you don't have AC there should be a spacer between the fan and the mounting hub. 

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Stan Shapiro
Sent: Friday, July 19, 2019 11:40 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: 77 Baywindow fan noise

I have some noise in the area of my fan in my 77,   2 liter baywindow.
Belt was adjusted properly.    It is definitely NOT from the alternator.   I
disconnected the belt, spun the alternator and no noise.   With the belt
off, I briefly ran the engine, and the noise is definitely there.   Sounds
like a loose rock or washer?  rolling around inside.  The pulley is tight.
I vacuumed out the fan, put a wand with a magnet on the end into it, and no luck, the noise persists.

Any thoughts?

stan