BMW Repair: 740i Water pump, aluminum pipe, fan clutch

Question
Hi John,

I'm needing to change the water pump on my 740i.  As I size up the job, I find 2 things that don't seem obvious to me, a reasonably experienced diy mechanic.  

First, which way does the nut loosen that holds the fan clutch on.  Second, how do I remove the aluminum pipe (about 3/4" in diameter that crosses in from of the pump).  That pipe seems to disappear beneath both sides of the engine a couple of inches below the valve cover.

Thanks for your help.

Sincerely,

Eric

Answer
The rule on the direction of the fan nut is that it will always try to tighten itself.  So PRETEND you are holding the nut, and see which way the engine trys to drive it.  Then turn it the opposite.

Not sure of the aluminum pipe you refer to.  Replaced several waterpumps on e38's, and can't picture this.

While you're changing this, be sure to change thermostat and belts at the same time.  Also be sure to get the O-rings for the tubes running across the engine.