What is the safest way to remove the bolt on the crankahaft pulley?

Assuming you have access to the flywheel side of the crank, start a couple of the flywheel bolt and use a pry bar to hold the crank while using an impact to loosen the bolt.

If no access to the flywheel side, you could put the balancer back on and use a strap wrench to hold the pulley while using an impact to remove the bolt.

You could also take a piece of scrap tubing and drill two holes to match the threaded holes on the crankshaft timing gear. Install the tubing using longer bolts and hold it still that way.

Wrap a strap wrench around the timing gear itself and use an impact to remove the bolt.

There are a lot of solutions, just get out there and try a few things and it will come out.

Robert

I have never held the crank. Big impact gun will pop the bolt and not move the crank. I also do it with the belt still installed

Safest way is a 1/2" drive impact gun. The drive fits directly in there.

How you guys removing the timing gear after that? I feel like mine is seized on (on engine stand)

I removed my bolt by putting a rubber coated dead blow against the block wall on one of the lobes and pried with a breaker bar and it popped loose.

Jazz said:

Safest way is a 1/2" drive impact gun. The drive fits directly in there.

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After reading multiple examples like those listed below, I only use a 6-point socket to remove this bolt, never the 1/2" drive.
Help me get this bolt out!!! Crankshaft Sprocket/Spacer
Cracked crank pulley bolt....
Crank sprocket bolt??
Crank Bolt Removal

I used a 6 point socket to get mine off. The 1/2in drive wouldn't get it, but the 6 point did for some reason. I had to take it to an NTB tire shop and a guy used one of those huge impacts that looks like a jackhammer to get mine off.

I ended up getting a big impact and it zipped it right off for me. But we tried doing it with a bar and kept two old flywheel bolts in. But we failed by breaking to pairs of channel locks and slicing my hand open a few times.

After you get the bolt out. Is the timing gear just sliding off the nose for you guys?

I've always just pulled a spark plug and inserted a foot or so of small diameter rope. This will allow the piston something soft to rest against and not move without damaging anything.

Archer Fabrications said:

After you get the bolt out. Is the timing gear just sliding off the nose for you guys?

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Yes the gear should slide off easily.

pauleyman said:

Yes the gear should slide off easily.

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Mine is seized on then i guess...

Archer Fabrications said:

Mine is seized on then i guess...

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You can use a small-hub harmonic balancer puller if the lower gear is stuck on. It's usually just the initial pull, then it will slide off.

Never seen so many references to a tough crank bolt, i just popped mine loose with one impact gun blip, and it all came right off after that.

Applies to engine still in car that's able to be turned over: timing belt on, bump the starter with a 1/2" ratchet on it set to loosen and it will break it loose no problem as long as it's wedged against the frame/crossmber. (I don't have a huge air compressor, so forum info and creativity works).