So I'm trying to do my timing belt and related stuff, and I can't get the stupid crankshaft nut off. I first tried my big impact wrench (500ft/lbs) and nothing. Then I tried connecting the breaker bar to it, wedging the bar under the passenger side framerail, and hitting the starter. The whole front end jumps and I can hear the breaker bar hitting the frame, but still no looser. I also tried jumpstarting, and hitting the starter, because my battery is a little weak. I hit it about 10 or 20 times, and same result every time. No nut coming loose.

I'm going crazy, this stupid nut isn't that big either! I'm grounded until this gets solved. Please help! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/zombie.gif" alt="" />

I generally don't have much like using the various techniques for quick crankshaft pulley removal. My solution has been to remove the starter, or in some way get acess to the fly wheel. The idea is to jam something solid in the teeth the starter uses, then get the biggest breaker bar you can find and go to town. On my '98 3.2 I found by rmoving the acess cover on the bottom of the manual trans I can stuff a larger allen key up in there and get it wedged in so nothing moves. My old 2.6 required removing the starter.

good luck

Mike

Thanks for the good idea. But how is stuffing an allen key up in there different than just putting it in gear? I'm confused on how the pulley keeps turning when I'm in gear. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

I'm a little hesitant to try this, because I don't want to mess up any gears in my tranny. That is something I cannot fix myself. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

I'm confused on how the pulley keeps turning when I'm in gear.

Because there is about a million things between that pulley and the rear tires. Each set of gears, bearings, u-joints, tires and even the axle shafts add up to a lot of elasticity in the system. That will give you the ability to "wind" up everything and it is really hard to put real torque to it (even with the impact). Your clutch could be slipping a bit too.

Get the flywheel wedged tight, just be careful not to do it in a manner to break the bellhousing. After that the impact or long breaker should do the trick.

Good Luck,
Michael

There is a little inspection plate I can take off on the bellhousing that allows me to see what I think is the clutch housing. Does this thing turn? Can I block that instead of having the nightmare of taking out the starter?

Does this thing turn?

Yes and yes. Just don't wedge anything against the pressure plate fingers. You should be able to find some spaces between the flywheel and the pressure plate.

Michael

I took mine apart tonight... 1/2 in breaker bar, 15/16 socket, put 'er in fifth, locked the brake... took three monster pulls on the bar and she came right off.

You said you first used the 500/lb impact wrench ?

I've gotta ask this, no intent at offense, but are you absolutely sure you didn't TIGHTEN it first ????? If you had the impact wrench set the wrong way, and tightened it, I doubt you would ever get it off with a breaker bar.

I've had moments like that myself, that's the only reason I'm asking!

Good luck!
Jeff

Mlclark: I can see the fingers up in there, Ill be careful to avoid messing with them.
Trooper: Nope, I never had the impact in forward. But it's good to think about things like that. When I was pulling, it was in first, where I usually put it. I guess putting it in fifth would be better, Ill try that tomorrow. Hopefully a combination of the strap wrenches, wedging the pressure plate, wedging the crank pulley, and putting it in fifth will keep that thing from turning!!!!



I hope I dont break anything! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" />

Well, I broke something. With putting it in fifth and putting a couple of strap wrenches on the crankshaft pulley, I got it so it wouldnt turn. After attaching a three foot pipe on my breaker bar with a 2 inch extension and socket on the end, wedging a box behind the breaker bar to keep it solid on the nut, and pulling with all I had, my extension snapped. I dont have a deep socket to fit. I was really crankin on that thing when it snapped.

HOW DOES THIS STUPID THING COME OFF!!!!! GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR..

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" />

I guess I need to go rent a 100000000ft/lb impact wrench or something ridiculous like that. Maybe Ill just put it back together and drive it till it snaps. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

I am really surprised that an extension would snap before the bolt was rounded off. El cheapo foreign made stuff, or something with a warrantee?
-J <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />