How do you remove crank pulley (420a)?

[turbotoad]

Last night I tried to replace the crank pulley on my 420a N/T Auto. I managed to get all of the belts off (that was a nightmare in itself), but ran into trouble getting the crank pulley off. The problem is the I could not get the center bolt (holding the pulley on) loose. No matter what I tried the crank would simply spin with the wrench.

In one of the tech articles it said to have a buddy stand on the brakes while working the bolt. I have no idea why this recommended because the axles were NOT spinning when I turned the crank bolt. I tried wedging tools (screwdriver, wrachet, wrench, etc) in the pulley to stop it from spinning, but there is really nothing there to wedge it against. So the crank just spun when ever I tried to loosen the bolt.

I gave up after 3.5 hours and just put everything back together ( the pulley actually looked fine plus I need the car for work). But is the a special tool or any way to keep the crank (and pulley) from turning? I worked on this friggen thing for over 5 hours last night only to be stumped at the last step. I'm so frustrated with this POS DSM!!! I can't believe how much time and money has been put into this friggen car over the last six months! I'm about to just set fire to the damn thing! AAAARRGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry, I had to vent. But seriously, how the heck are you supposed to get the crank pulley to NOT turn while trying to loosen the center bolt?

 

[realitytb]

you definately wont get it off manually. they are on there VERY tight, and to get the pulley off without turning the engie, you will need an air ratchet. i had same problem, but when i used the air ratchet, it came right off. may i also ask why your taking the pulley off?

 

[Openoner]

you can try one of ttwo things. pry against the flywheel with a screwdriver or prybar or
jam up on the cam gear . but be warned the cam gear method isnt very smart. it works
but isnt smart. but chances are youll need air like said before.

 

[realitytb]

you can try what open said, and stoping the flywheel will stop the engine from turning over... but like he said, shit can go wrong if you do it that way. But if you have no access to an air ratchet, go with the flywheel-stopping. (it'll be tough though... hope your strong.)

BTW open, turning the flywheel doesnt do anything with the cam gear. =P dont TOUCH the cam gears. the flywheel goes through the tranny, and turning it with a screw driver will turn the crank shaft, and move your pistons up and down... but BE CAREFUL if you do it that way.

 

[turbotoad]

you definately wont get it off manually. they are on there VERY tight, and to get the pulley off without turning the engie, you will need an air ratchet. i had same problem, but when i used the air ratchet, it came right off. may i also ask why your taking the pulley off?

Well the belts were making a lot of "chirping" noises and also a sort of "rubbing" sound. So I assumed the pulley was bad and bought a new pulley and belts. I put the new belts on when I put it back together and now there is no more chirping or rubbing sounds. And the pulley looked like it was in good shape and didn't seem to be moving around. So I think it's ok. I'll just keep the new one incase the current pulley does go bad.

I was thinking about an air impact wrench. I have a good compressor and a small air wrench. But the wrench is not an "impact" type wrench and doesn't have enough torque to do the job. I may have to buy a good impact air wrench in the future !

 

[realitytb]

either buy one, or rent one from autozone or checkers. Otherwise your not going to get the pulley off without breaking your car, and yourself. =P

 

[Openoner]

BTW open, turning the flywheel doesnt do anything with the cam gear. =P dont TOUCH the cam gears. the flywheel goes through the tranny, and turning it with a screw driver will turn the crank shaft, and move your pistons up and down... but BE CAREFUL if you do it that way.

if you pry against the teeth on the flywheel it will keep the crank pully from turning, or you can lodge somthing in the cam gear to have the same effect.

 

[starfish]

put on the wrench,kep slight pressure,then smack wrench with hammer