torquing the crank bolt idea

[ManySHOs]

I plan on putting my car back together in the next few days after catching a slightly worn woodruff key before it caused any major problems. I'm very concerned about torquing the crank pulley bolt to spec or higher now that I've had this issue. I do not have a flywheel holder tool nor do I feel like removing my starter to use one.

I was thinking of removing a spark plug and inserting a long bolt into the combustion chamber to stop the engine from rotating while torquing the bolt. Does this seem like a good idea? I can't imagine that this would cause any damage to the piston or would it? I wonder if I can get a nylon tipped bolt that size to use...

Thoughts?

Ian

 

[Mr Anonymous]

You have an MTX. Just put it in gear with the driver's wheel on the ground. Torque away.

 

[oneqwicksho]

Yea that does work put it in gear and you can torque it but the drivers wheel best be on the ground

 

[gmorrell]

If you don't want to put the wheels on and drop it off the jacks, drop a 3/8" socket extension into a brake rotor cooling fin on each side, then rotate the rotors until the extensions bear into the brake calipers. Put the trans in gear and torque away.

And BTW, putting one wheel on the ground doesn't work due to the open diff in the trans, and putting on the passenger wheel makes it mighty difficult to access the crank bolt through the wheel well.

If you have an assistant, put the trans in 5th gear and have them step on the brakes - hard. If you don't have an assistant, refer to my first pararaph.

 

[ManySHOs]

If you don't want to put the wheels on and drop it off the jacks, drop a 3/8" socket extension into a brake rotor cooling fin on each side, then rotate the rotors until the extensions bear into the brake calipers. Put the trans in gear and torque away.

Good idea. I guess it's a good thing I upgraded from the old .81" TCE's.

Good call on putting it in gear too. I knew that I was missing something obvious here!

Gary, I read your advice (in another thread) about removing the spark plugs when installing the timing belt to make sure it doesn't jump. I've never done that before but I may do it this time around. Thanks!

Ian