How do I lock the engine
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
How do I lock the engine
I’ve been reading through several Treats that talk about how to get to the harmonic balancer bolt by removing or not the rack etc….No one is asking how you lock the engine so that I can loosen the bolt. I’ve tried putting the car in gear and step on the brake but I’m afraid to damage the engine since I can’t get it to stop spinning. My car is my daily driver and she’s been down for 4 days. Getting this balancer out is what’s holding me back from driving the SUV.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
I tried that in 1st gear and I could not get the cranck to stop turning. Since My last Thread I got a chain vise-grip and I can get it stoped now. My problem is that it is pretty tight. Are the threads backwards on this screw (reverse screw)?
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,722
Likes: 138
From: Florida
St. Jude Donor '09
No, it is not. You should consult the service manual.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Forney Texas
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Race Director
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From: Haymarket VA
Pro
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 691
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From: Los Angeles
I tried taking mine off with a breaker bar and cheater pipe at first and it wouldn't budge. I then hit it with my 1/2" craftsman impact... nothing. Long story short, I called up my dad to bring over his service truck for 18 wheelers and a 3/4" ingersol impact and 175 psi took it off like nothing.
And that's not even the hard part... wait till you try to put it back on. I ended up modifying a balancer installation tool and pulled it up till i could get the old bolt started in the threads.
GOOD LUCK!
And that's not even the hard part... wait till you try to put it back on. I ended up modifying a balancer installation tool and pulled it up till i could get the old bolt started in the threads.
GOOD LUCK!
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,495
Likes: 0
From: Homer Glen IL
Be very careful to follow the manual when reinstalling the balancer. I learned the hard way when mine came loose at the end of a 12 second pass. Torque alone is not the answer. It is the sequence of installation torques and degrees. Use a new bolt or better yet use an ARP bolt. I am pinning mine to prevent further problems.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
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From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
I used a LARGE strap wrench. Using the strap wrench and a large breaker bar, I did the entire job my self.
You also need to consider REINSTALLATION. You need to get the balancer install tool OR make on like I did. I used VETTENUTS design. WORKED LIKE A CHAMP!
Heat is your friend. Use a heat gun or propane torch to heat the head of the bolt for removal. Then use the same heat to heat the damper HUB to about 200-230 degrees. It will slide off and slide on with the puller MUCH easier.
I will add the pictures later tonight.
I also installed a power bond damper and used an ARP Bolt Installation using the ARP Bolt is simpler.
BC
You also need to consider REINSTALLATION. You need to get the balancer install tool OR make on like I did. I used VETTENUTS design. WORKED LIKE A CHAMP!
Heat is your friend. Use a heat gun or propane torch to heat the head of the bolt for removal. Then use the same heat to heat the damper HUB to about 200-230 degrees. It will slide off and slide on with the puller MUCH easier.
I will add the pictures later tonight.
I also installed a power bond damper and used an ARP Bolt Installation using the ARP Bolt is simpler.
BC
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
Hb
Hmmmmm......just some suggestions....change the oil seal on the timing chain cover if you are taking off the balancer (if you dont when it does leak you will be doing all this work over again) and pin the crank
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,960
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From: West Norriton PA
St. Jude Donor '08
You remove the starter and put this in it's place. It holds the motor from turning.
Might want to try and heat up the bolt a bit with a torch to warm up the lock tite.
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2008
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From: Howell Michigan
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
