Crank Sprocket Bolt Issue. Running Out of Ideas and Getting Worried

[slipstream808]

Well I've read the thread and the ideas. I've got to get that damn crank sprocket bolt off. This is where my friend and I stand so far:

Everything to remove the balance shafts is off and done so far except for this crank sprocket bolt. Then I can get to the front case. So all pulleys and belts are off. This crank bolt is NOT coming though. I tried the towel method. I only started to bend the crank sensor trigger plate so I had to stop there. The idea of putting the car in gear and putting the brakes on will not work as it just keeps turning over. I tried using the timing belt to wrap around the sprocket and attach the looped end to the front of the oil pump cover where the alternator is. This effectively stopped the crank from rotating. Problem was that I first broke the head off of an extension using the breaker bar. Second was that the timing belt started to rip apart and not hold anymore.

I'm lost. We don't have impact tools (and I doubt they'd do anything but crank the engine over), a torch, or a drill press to make a tool like in the VFAQ.

Am I essentially screwed right now? I'm getting afraid we are just gonna break that bolt in the end and be TOTALLY screwed. I need that MD990767 tool but I don't know where to get it at this point. I'm kinda lost.

 

[1stGenTSi]

Find someone with a good 1/2 drive impact. Soak it with PB Blaster. And make sure to use a black impact socket. It'll come loose. The impact isn't going to spin the motor over, it'll break the bolt loose. Is the motor still in the car?

 

[slipstream808]

Yes, the 7-bolt motor is still in the 2g car.

 

[Tatanko]

Find someone with a good 1/2 drive impact. Soak it with PB Blaster. And make sure to use a black impact socket. It'll come loose. The impact isn't going to spin the motor over, it'll break the bolt loose. Is the motor still in the car?

This is for my car, btw. I have gained use of an impact so we will try that method tomorrow. Slipstream already coated it in PB blaster before we left, so we should be good to go.

 

[1stGenTSi]

If the car has a standard transmission and you put it in gear the motor should be unable to turn over without the wheels turning. I'm not sure what you mean when you say this didn't work. Put it in gear (2nd or Reverse are generally the best) have someone step on the brakes and use all your might. But an impact is much less likely to break a bolt than a big breaker bar is. Use the impact (make sure it's not some old, worn-out one) and crank up the air compressor to like 140psi if you need to.

 

[slipstream808]

Yeah... you'd THINK that the motor wouldnt' turn over at all. I mean brakes, check, tranny in gear, check. But it still freaking turns over. *shrug*

 

[project_tsi]

I think a powerful impact gun is the next best thing. I don't think PB blaster would be able to make its way around the crank sprocket and washer, and I don't think a torch would be able to penetrate the threads enough since the sprockets in the way.

I'd go out and borrow a real impact gun, Snap-On, Mac, Ingersol Rand, etc. Something with about 1000ft. lbs or more and try it. Chances are your not going to break off that big ass bolt in the crank. Honestly you should be able to put more force on it yourself, but by using an impact, you can let it hammer away for a minute or two while it try's to bust it free.

BTW my friend has a custom crank sprocket tool that he made at the shop, and he may be willing to loan it out if you end up needing it.

Or stop by your local Mitsu dealer, or a Chrysler dealer that used to be a Eagle dealer, and try sweet talking a tech or service/parts manager into letting you borrow the tool.

 

[turboglenn]

Just use an 1/2 inch drive impact as stated above. I've never had one on a 4g63 that took more than a few seconds of rattling to get off (probably because some one rattled it on with one instead of torque'ing it or turning the power down on teh impact a little)

 

[slipstream808]

We will give it a shot this afternoon, guys, and let you all know how it goes. Cross your fingers.

 

[Tatanko]

BTW my friend has a custom crank sprocket tool that he made at the shop, and he may be willing to loan it out if you end up needing it.

I talked to another buddy of mine last night and he claims to have made one out of a pipe and some bolts. He says an impact is much easier to use for this, though. Good to know we have options if the impact doesn't work though, I appreciate the offer

 

[Freerevving]

you must have done the towel thing wrong... you're supposed to stuff it inside where the crank is (inside the block)... I've done it and it locks down so tight, that it's impossible NOT to get the crank bolt off

 

[beating4g63s]

if you have the oil pan off, put something like a wooden hammer wrapped in duct tape to make sure it doesn't get splinters or breaks, have one person jam it next to one of the rods so it is kinda stuck between the rod and the inside of the block, and now the crank should not spin and if it does you must have broken that hammer, in which you get another one or something harder. works for me everytime.

 

[slipstream808]

Well, the impact wrench did it on the lowest setting nigh-instantly, . Thanks for all the suggestions, guys!

Now onto the final issue of a oil pump screw.