Crankshaft bolt removal

[tj21]

Replacing my timing chain, but can't get the crankshaft bolt loose. Is there a good way to do it without an impact wrench?

[Geonovast]

Manual or automatic?

[wallisek]

I use a cheapo $10 1/2" drive breaker bar I picked up at harbor freight. Probably one of the more useful hand tools I own.

[Geonovast]

For manuals: Put it in the highest gear you have (4th or 5th), and have someone sit in it while pushing down on the brakes. Then just use a big breaker bar for removal and installation.

 

For autos, you don't have that luxury. All you're going to do is spin the motor. For removal, you can get the breaker bar on it, then turn the motor with it until the bar is either sitting against the framerail or the ground. Disconnect your CPS and any additional devices you wish to prevent the thing from starting. Get it in, hold the brake, and turn the key just enough to get the starter to grab, then let go. Should break the bolt free. This will not work for tightening it, only breaking it loose. Also, make sure noone's around it when you do this, and that it's secure enough to not simply go flying. I really prefer not to have to do something like this, but it's been necessary.

[ParadiseMJ]

I just stuck a long screwdriver in the spoke, not much room but enough. Breaker bar, ba-da-bing. Once I had it held still it wasn't very hard to "break".

[tj21]

For manuals: Put it in the highest gear you have (4th or 5th), and have someone sit in it while pushing down on the brakes. Then just use a big breaker bar for removal and installation.

 

Worked great, broke free easy, thanks.