Car Advice

[originel]

As a few of you know, i'm having a little car trouble. My car won't start and i figured out (finally) what it was. It's kinda strange actually, it was the timing belt that broke (even though it didn't act like it, there might be somehting else? also i have a non-inteference engine, so there was no damage to the head or crankshaft, they both turn freely). anyway, so i've taken the old one off, gotten a new one, but i've hit a slight snag.

The main drive pulley is connected directly to the crankshaft (obviously) and i need to take it off to get to the crankshaft sprocket for the timing belt. the problem is that there is a bolt with 80 lb-ins of torque holding it on, and since it's connected to the crankshaft will spin freely. I need a way to hold the drive pulley still so i can get enough torque to take the bolt off. any advice? i'm thinking that with a breaker bar and a belt tensioner pully i can get it off, but i'm not sure (and i don't want to invest in a belt tensioner pully if it won't work).

[pickel]

The only way Iwas able to get that pulley off the crank on my stealth was with an impact wrench. And then it was quite subborn. Sorry ,btu can't think of any alternatives.. GOOD LUCK)

[draboo]

pm ed_s,i think he s a ford mechanic

[big_buick]

hmmm, backyard stuff really sucks sometimes as you can tell...... i can offer some advise that you may want to try...but it has its risks...to your body and possibly to the pulley...

1. if enough room is available stick a piece of wood between the crank and the frame of the car in the direction that you need to loosen the bolt...now get a breaker bar with an extension enough to clear ...being perfectly on the bolt strike the breaker bar with a soft hammer... some guys might suggest jumping on it...but i wont..ive done this with volvo's but not with wood...i had a helper hold the pulley with a big pair of channel lock pliers...
also for humour i'll tell you i was adjusting valve clearance on my old toyota and left my ratchet on the crank bolt and hit the ignition,,,it loosened off right quick .....but dont do that...no matter how desperate you get...also you problably have all your accesory belts off maybe having the belts on might slow things down alittle more as well..maybe someone else has a better idea too...hang in there...

[Epidemic]

Is there a notch or something on the flywheel in which to insert a tool to lock the pully while you work. It has been a while but I thought that was the way I have done it in the past.

The easiest solution solution of course it the impact gun though...

It is great to be able to cheat. and it is a worth while tool to have in your collection along with a compressor of course.

[Epidemic]

1992 and later: Remove the 21mm crankshaft bolt. This will be difficult. Put the car in 5th gear and engage the parking brake. Using a long breaker bar, crack the bolt loose.


http://www.miata.net/garage/timingbelt.html


Hmmm I guess that would work too

[Heavy_Equipment]

Use a strap wrench around the crank pulley.
Available at most hardware/auto parts stores...and they are good for plumbing, jar lids, and oil filters too, so it will pay for itself.HERE

[big_buick]

right on epidemic...

[RedFury]

I usually will loosen the bolts with a belt still on an accessory ( prefferably one that isn't self tensioning) and wedge something in there to keep the pulley from turning much.

Otherwise, the only other option I've used is getting something caught in the flywheel teeth to stop the crank from spinning on that end. ( much harder to figure out how to accomplish depending on design )

[Brainchild]

Well I have taken the starter off, and clamped visegrips on the flywheel to have something to hold onto to be\reak the bolt loose.

also Epi has the right idea if it has a standard trans, automatic won't do it

Maybe remove hte dustcover, and place a screwdriver (BIG screwdriver) in the teeth to hold it.

What kind of car?? I missed it somewhere
Might have a better plan for ya

Good Luck
BC

BTW: some of the cars with the belt have a tension adjustment so ya can change the belt without taking off a pulley, something to check anyway, You have a chiltons book? Might be worth the $$,IMO