Getting the crank out, whats the trick here?

[Dattebayo]

The FSM is pretty worthless in helping here, but how exactly am I supposed to separate the pistons from the rods and/or crankshaft? Is it possible to remove the whole assembly in one stroke with the oil pump and everything?

I really do have to get to bed soon, so any help will be totally appreciated. Thanks.

[Bwana]

Remove the oil pump and rear main seal first. Then remove the connecting rod nuts/caps and drop the piston/rod assembly through the bottom (top, but with the engine on a stand it's upside down). BTW, head must be removed. After you have the piston/rod assys. removed, remove the main bearing bolts/caps. After those are off the crank will lift right out.

[r34 gtr]

no, remove rod ends and oil pump. i believe the pump has to be removed otherwise it wont come out at all. the pistons and sh:t will need to come out the top.

edit: what he said.

[Dattebayo]

The pistons would not come out the top for some reason, i guess there is some crap on the top of the cylinder wall holding it in?

The oil pump is going to require me to remove the crank pulley I suppose? This is my problem, I guess...

[r34 gtr]

there will be a little lip from carbon buildup and stuff. i got a small piece of 2x4 and tapped with a rubber mallet. they came out no problem.

[Bwana]

There may also be a slight ridge in the cylinder wall too, depending on how worn it is. Like Tim said, just tap it past that. And yes, you do have to remove the crank pulley, timing gear and all that fun stuff first.

[r34 gtr]

basically youll need to completely and utterly disassemble the thing. i suggest various sizes of ziploc bags and a sharpie to bag and label stuff. its way easier than trying to remember which bolt went where.

[Dattebayo]

Sh.it.

I don't have a socket that size... Anybody know how big that nut/bolt on the center of the crank pulley is? And how much force I will need to remove it? Also, whats good for removing this particular oil seal?

[r34 gtr]

hold on.

[r34 gtr]

1 and 1/16.

[Bwana]

It's like a 27mm or something like that, can't really remember. I use a impact gun on 'em, that always works. I have a 3/8, 1/2 and 3/4, depending on how tight the thing is . Once that's off you have to get the timing gear, and that's even worse. After that the oil pump/rear main etc. are easy.

[Dattebayo]

Sounds like fun. I really wish you could remember the metric measurement of the bolt/nut, because I hate using American sockets on Metric stuff. Rounded edges are my enemy.

[Bwana]

1 1/16" is within .002mm of being 27 mm. so I'd go with either.

[r34 gtr]

yeah, i went with the SAE one because it fit so damn well. no rounded corners here!

[Bwana]

Esp if you use a 6 point socket you'll be fine with either for sure.

[Dattebayo]

So whats so bad about the timing gear?

[r34 gtr]

dont even get me started. it welds itself to the crank with satanic rust.

[Bwana]

They're typically stuck on there so tight you have to break 'em to get 'em off.

[Dattebayo]

Fantastic.

Ill post up some pics of what I have to do to it to get it off. Is it just a slip on affair when installed? Ill check tomorrow, I have work at 8AM. Thanks guys...

[r34 gtr]

no problem getting it on. getting it off will require a silverback gorilla and plenty of beer for you.

[Bwana]

Yea, going on is easy. Heat is often your friend when removing it though.

[Dattebayo]

Got a 27mm from work! Anybody around the DC area have a electric power wrench I can borrow? lolThat bolt is gonna be !!!!

[r34 gtr]

just get a long ratchet. its usually not hard getting the bolt out. the timing gear is what you need to watch out for. wait, your engine isnt in the car, so you cant just throw it in gear. use that electric impact gun!

[Dattebayo]

I just got the pistons and rods out. The bearings were almost immaculate, with only one having a tiny score down one. I will ask the machinist if he thinks it needs attention.

There was some weird metal shielding on one of the middle intake side crank chambers... It was all mangled up. Any clue on it's purpose?

[r34 gtr]

awesome. did you end up borrowing an impact wrench or did you just roll up your sleeves?

[Dattebayo]

Neither, I have to do my taxes! And they are pretty complicated this year...

I will need something to brace the crank though since it is free spinning now...

I still need to know what that shielding on the middle intake side is... it is badly crumpled, and from the looks of it, the crank did the job.

[ca18det240hatch]

that i believe is your lower PCV...it goes to that 1" nipple beside your oil filter housing...the one with the big rubber tube on it? I believe its there to keep oil from getting in that area between the crank case and that nipple.

[Bwana]

Yea, probably a baffle for the PCV system port.

[Dattebayo]

I borrowed a DeWalt electric impact wrench from work today, and the bolt came flying off!!!

The timing gear is definitely rusted... What other than a torch should be used here to get it off? Experience? Ideas?

I took the crank off using a piece of wood and a mallet, I don't recommend this method to anyone, I'm sure I will pay for it sooner or later...

Now this is the beast that I only had to use for 2 seconds.

Keep the info coming guys! I love this forum!

[float_6969]

I think the best bet for the timing sprocket is to drill and tap a couple of threads/bolt holes in it and then use a steering wheel type puller to basically press it off.