Crank Pulley Bolt Removal Method Options

[Makaveli]

Option 1: Use the Toyota SST tool to prevent the crank pulley turning while you undo the pulley bolt (two SST options)

Option 2: Remove the starter motor and lock the flywheel gears using a custom made plate with a single tooth to prevent the flywheel turning.

Option 3: Similar to option 2 but using screwdriver/crowbar or similar to lock the flywheel gears (RANGI).

Option 4: Put a power bar on the pulley bolt against the floor and flick the starter switch, hoping it will undo the bolt (RANGI).

Option 5: Using Impact Gun undo the bolt.

Just wondering what would the average mechanic do to undo the bolt? I doubt they will have the Toyota SST nor the custom plate to lock the flywheel for every different car they do. Is there a good way of doing it????

[Bazda]

Rattle gun 99.9% of the time.

If you dont have one, just put it in gear and get someone to hold the brakes on for you then undo with a big bar.

[MrOizo]

I've used option 3 and 4 - no worries!

Another thing i did was with the engine out and the box off, put one bell housing bolt back in and link either chain or rope to the flywheel in the right direction and that will work against you when you un-do the bolt.

[Makaveli]

Thanks

[tsoob]

Rattle gun 99.9% of the time.

If you dont have one, just put it in gear and get someone to hold the brakes on for you then undo with a big bar.

YEP

[evil_si]

my common methods of choice are

impact gun,

jam the flywheel with prybar

if gearbox is off bolt a chain to the flywheel and to a 'fixed' bolt hole,

wedge powerbar in and crank engine, 1 quick turn of the key usually does it.

[Akane]

Used option 4 many times on the MR2, works without fail.

Now that I have a impact wrench, I'd just do it properly.

[cat007]

oh man - a rattle gun on the crank pulley bolt? YUCK!

I've never, and will never, put my bearings and thrust washers through that sort of punishment

[Makaveli]

BTW wouldn't a rattle gun make the engine turn anti-clockwise? Which is a big no-no as I know. I think locking the flywheel is a must then using a big power bar to undo it.

[Lloyd]

You have all the right options, just in the wrong order. Try number 5 first, if it doesn't work then try 4, then 3, 2 , 1.

[phoenix]

BTW wouldn't a rattle gun make the engine turn anti-clockwise? Which is a big no-no as I know.

If the rattle gun is up to the job the crank will barely move. This is one of their advantages, instantaneous torque.
What supposed to happen if you turn it backwards anyway? Will it turn into a honda?

I've used method 4 a few times on JZs, they usually seem to be stuck tight. If that doesn't work I generally drop the plugs out to ease the load - assuming your battery is up to it in the first place.

[peas]

Never had the starter kickover method fail on me yet... Have had a rattle gun on two of my cars now that failed to budge after a solid 2-3 minutes.

[AE82 FXGT]

^ agreed, starter motor works a treat, just stay away from the engine bay when flicking the key.

A good 6pt socket and power bar is awesome.