Removing the bolt on the front of the crank

[N2O_ZX2]

Alright, so I think I figured out the problem with the thing vibrating itself like crazy when I hit about 4k. The balance shaft belt is broken. I bought a new one, and Im trying to install it, but I just cant seem to get the bolt out of the front of the crank. Is the bolt normal thread or left hand thread? I tried using an impact gun, because theres no way to get ahold of the sprocket without messing it up, but the motor would just turn over and the bolt wouldnt loosen. How are you suposed to get that thing out? Thanks

N2O_ZX2

 

[wolf20043]

I used a shop towel to wrap the crank pulley, a big pipe wrench to hold it, and a long 1/2' drive breaker bar to get it off. But with air it will make it easier, just let the pipe wrench wedge against something and go to it.

Mike

 

[toybreaker]

It's a conventional thread direction...i.e. righty tighty,..lefty loosy.

I've had this problem too. I dunno, red loc-tite sometimes, just really tight other times.

I've had pretty good luck leaving the other 3 wheels on the ground, setting the hand brake, putting the car in first gear, and giving it another go.

Make sure your air compressor is fully charged, don't use any unneccessary adapters on your impact gun, and try again.

Good luck!!!!

 

[ADrewzki]

I've been in the same position as well when doing my swap. Nothing I did worked so I ended up taking off the oil pan. I then took a crescent wrench that has a rubber coating on the handle and wedging it between the crankshaft and the block so the crank wouldn't turn. I would venture to say that it took about 300-400ft-lbs to crack it loose. I had a 3ft cheater bar on it that I was stepping on.

 

[BUCK]

I CAREFULLY wedge a 1/2 Drive Breaker Bar & Pipe in place on the Bolt against something solid - Then tap the Starter - BE CAREFUL, if your hand / finger is in the wrong place you are screwed~!

 

[GTM]

...
I bought a new one, and Im trying to install it, but I just cant seem to get the bolt out of the front of the crank. Is the bolt normal thread or left hand thread? I tried using an impact gun, because theres no way to get ahold of the sprocket without messing it up, but the motor would just turn over and the bolt wouldnt loosen. How are you suposed to get that thing out? Thanks
N2O_ZX2

When using an impact wrench adding a teaspoon of oil to the air supply line at the tool will sometimes make a huge difference even if you have an auto oiler.

Putting it in top gear, set the handbrake, chock the tires so they can't spin and have a go. Do not use a low gear for it's possible to overcome the handbrake. If the tires are off then have someone stand on the foot brake. Do not use an extension on the impact gun for it will wind up and absorb some of the impact energy.

Should this fail then the breaker bar method and starter will usually work. The critical aspects of this are to allow the tool to rotate through as much arc as possible before slamming against something solid. To do this the the socket must be held in place with wood block(s) and wedges so it cannot fall at an angle and bruise the bolt head as it slips off. I usually will jack the car up so the breaker bar will strike the ground. What you don't want is to have the breaker bar swing and hit something other than the ground or a frame section for it will break things including your hand, brake lines, pullies etc. so it must have a clear path and not be able to slip off the bolt. If you don't have enough wind-up it will not work, you need the rotating mass of the crank, flywheel, rods, pistons to keep turning. until it hits the solid. If you are working on dirt then project where it will strike and place a block of wood on the ground.

You must use good tools for a cheap breaker bar may shatter at the swivel yoke. Preferably a 6 point socket though a 12 may work, expect to hold the start position for just 1 second and then release. If it falls off then find a better way to hold you wedges/socket tight on the bolt. This method is not endorsed by any factory manual and many shops will forbid using it because the mechanic didn't use common sense and damaged some car part or got hurt.

Let us know what works best for you.

Cheers,
GTM

 

[N2O_ZX2]

Hey thanks for all your guys help. I let it sit for a day, so I wouldnt be so pissed off at it anymore, and when I went back and tried it again this morning it came right out with the impact gun no problem.

N2O_ZX2