undoing the secret to the crankshaft bolt

[jaydog]

Is there a specific way to keep the crankshaft from turning while cracking the bolt. How hard do I have to pull on that %#@& thing. It feels like something else is going to give. Anyone know the "right "way to do this?

[BCDelica]

Don't know the right way as I'm not a mechanic; but being in your shoes once I borrowed an impact gun from a friend which did the trick. That is how my mechanic does it, though the rad has to be removed to get the gun in there. Removing the rad really didn't take much time, likely less then removing the passenger seat (for me) and considering I was changing rad hoses too it was no big deal. Also it would be a good time to take that rad into a radiator shop for a full clean and pressure test; which may result in a recommended re coring. This, plus the timing belt job I assume your doing is a good idea for these engines.

Also inspect the lower drain port, a small little hole in the lower body on the water pump; if there is crude there replace your water pump also. They are pretty cheap and easy to change; do the thermostat also well we are in that area. If I could do all that all in a day, anybody could.

Cheers

[jessef]

Pry bar and a spare belt

put the belt around the crank pulley (alt or power steering)

put the pry bar end onto the belt on the pulley and use the leverage against the block/power steering pump bracket side.

That will create enough tension to have someone back it off with an impact gun or breaker bar.

Same procedure to put the pulley back on except use a torque wrench and hit it at 90 then 120 ft lbs.

It won't come loose after that.

My crank bolt was loose and caused the pulley to vibrate. The key worn a groove into the pulley and was getting worse.

It was only out by .9 mm. Almost nothing, but enough to start causing havoc.

If the pulley is not snug up against the crank shaft/key (after you get the belts/bolt out) then check the key to see if it's smaller than 5mm and/or the pulley groove is larger than 5mm.

If they are, then you can order a new crank pulley/key from john at rockymountain.

[EricN]

Wedge your breaker bar on the frame, key the starter. To reinstall, pull the Torque converter bolt access plate, wedge a flat head screwdriver in the ring gear, get buddy to torque the bolt.

[jaydog]

I found a 3/4 inch impact 'gun' worked like a charm...