HOW TO: remove flywheel and/or crank pulley with engine out of car

[f s t caz]

I've seen quite a few of the "how do i remove the flywheel bolts" or "how do i remove the crank pulley with the engine on a stand" posts in my days here, so while i was taking apart my motor yesterday, i took time to snap a picture to use for demonstrational purposes.



First, screw transmission bell housing bolt fully into upper hole on block. It doesn't have to be long or as long as the one i used in the picture, but needs to have atleast an inch or so exposed beyond the block. If i recall correctly, the bolts are an M9 X.XX size which I was not able to find at the local hardware stores, which is why i suggest using a bellhousing bolt and not something else. Just remember to be carefuly to stay as close to the block as possible and stay away from the end of the bolt to prevent bending.

Second, using a prybar or large flat head screw driver, insert blade end inbetween two teeth on the flywheel in close proximity to the bolt you just threaded in. If you are loosening the flywheel bolts, then insert slightly to the left of the bolt, with the prybar resting on the right of the bolt. (note, if tightening, place on opposite side)

Third, use 14mm 6point socket and breaker bar to loosen flywheel bolts. As you apply torque to bolts, hold steady the prybar/screwdriver in the teeth of the flywheel and prevent flywheel from turning. Next thing you know, your bolt is loose and you're moving along (in a cross pattern of course) to the rest of the bolts.

Having 2 people perform this job is handy, however it can be done by 1 person. I've removed many a flywheel bolts in this manner and have yet to ever damage a flywheel tooth and have bent 1 bolt. The only reason the bolt bent was because i was using a 6" bolt and held the screwdriver at the end of the bolt, rather than next to the block which made it significantly easier to bend.

If you're the type thats wondering about the crank pulley, it works in the same fashion, but the screwdriver is placed on the opposite side as you will be turning in the opposite direction.

It is also possible, once the flywheel is removed, to fully thread two flywheel bolts into the crankshaft and place a prybar between the two to stop the crankshaft from turning while loosening the crank pulley bolt. it is very important that the bolts are fully threaded because stripping a crankshaft or flywheel bolts does not make for much fun. Many may believe this to be a hack way of getting the job done, however, the flywheel bolts are rather strong grade and would be highly unlikely to ever shear. Those concerned about threads should take note that the bolts do not fasten in the flywheel and with the bolts fully turned into the crankshaft, no usable threads can ever be damaged.

Obviously this isn't the only answer to performing these tasks, but it one that i wanted to offer up to help anyone who doesn't have access to an impact gun or a gun with sufficent torque to get the jobs done.

Chris

[driftin8ez]

good to know. Im getting my engine soon and i will be removing the flywheel for resuface.

[Trigger]

nice engine stand

[f s t caz]

nice engine stand

's about all a kuhmo 711 is good for

but really, its easier to remove the flywheel bolts with the engine resting on something so its not rocking on the chains while trying to apply the necessary torque. It went onto a stand after getting the flywheel off

[knightrider]

impact guns work for both, also, to hold the flywheel there are little tools that have fingers that stick into the ring gear and bolt to the block to hold it from turning, those work great.

[dattodude]

Heres a picture of my flywheel bolt removal tool.

[yourmomsrps13]

got any easy ways to remove the crank pulley while IN the car?

[f s t caz]

put it in gear w/ the ebrake on and use a breaker bar and a 27mm socket.