In my attempt to remove the timing cover, I am having issues removing the crankshaft pulley. I am able to get the 15/16 socket on, but can't get the bolt off because the pulley keeps turning. Is there a secret or easy way to get the bolt off or stop the pulley from turning? Also, once the bolt is off, does the pulley easily come loose or will I need a pulley tool to get it off? 68 Firebird 400 Jay
Probably the best way to get that bolt off is with an impact wrench. You could probably rent an electric one for an equipment rental place. You will also need a nice HD torque wrench to set it back on (I believe it has to go to 180 ft-lbs)
Then you will need a harmonic balancer puller to get that off. The pulley itself bolts into the harmonic balancer and can come off without removing the large center balancer bolt.
2012 Mustang Boss 302 #1918, Competition Orange. FGF replacement 2006 Mustang V6 Pony, Vista Blue. Factory ordered. 2019 BMW X3 (Titled to the wife, but I'm always driving it for her. So I'm claiming it) Old projects, gone but not forgotten: 1967 FB 400, original CA car. After 22 years of work, trashed by the guy who was supposed to paint it. I had to sell it. 1980 Turbo Trans Am 1970 Mustang fastback, 351C 4Bbl, auto 1988 Mustang GT, 5 speed 1983 F-150 4x4, built 302 1994 Chevy K2500 HD 4x4, 454 TBI
In my attempt to remove the timing cover, I am having issues removing the crankshaft pulley. I am able to get the 15/16 socket on, but can't get the bolt off because the pulley keeps turning. Is there a secret or easy way to get the bolt off or stop the pulley from turning? Also, once the bolt is off, does the pulley easily come loose or will I need a pulley tool to get it off?
There's actually a nice little trick that you can try. Take out one of the spark plugs ... makes no difference which one. Take length of nylon rope small enough that it fits easily through the spark plug hole and run a few feet of rope into the cylinder. (Leave a long tail that you can grab on to.) Rotate the motor in the same direction as loosening the bolt. Once that particular piston gets to TDC, the rope should hold the piston in place allowing you to turn the bolt out.
You will probably still need a balancer puller to get the balancer off.
While the engine was on the stand, we put the bolts in that hold on the flywheel. Then we took a pry bar and wedged it in between the bolts until the crank stopped.
If the engine is in the car, put it in gear, put on the emergency brake, chock the wheels, and use a 3 foot pipe on a stout socket wrench. Once the bolt is out, the balancer usually slides right off. And it's a right hand threaded bolt.
If the engine is in the car, put it in gear, put on the emergency brake, chock the wheels, and use a 3 foot pipe on a stout socket wrench. Once the bolt is out, the balancer usually slides right off. And it's a right hand threaded bolt.
Works OK for a stick shift. Otherwise the motor just spins along with the torque converter.
2012 Mustang Boss 302 #1918, Competition Orange. FGF replacement 2006 Mustang V6 Pony, Vista Blue. Factory ordered. 2019 BMW X3 (Titled to the wife, but I'm always driving it for her. So I'm claiming it) Old projects, gone but not forgotten: 1967 FB 400, original CA car. After 22 years of work, trashed by the guy who was supposed to paint it. I had to sell it. 1980 Turbo Trans Am 1970 Mustang fastback, 351C 4Bbl, auto 1988 Mustang GT, 5 speed 1983 F-150 4x4, built 302 1994 Chevy K2500 HD 4x4, 454 TBI
If the balancer doesn't come off easily after bolt removal, Kragen/O'reillys has a removal/install tool they can rent you. Don't bang it back on with a hammer.
