How to prevent crank from spinning when removing harmonic dampener/pulley

[insttech1]

Had to pull my entire '99 3.0 to replace a wobbly front dampener.

Got everything out; engine sitting on and strapped to some 2x6's in the garage.

I got my puller all set up....and started to turn the puller to get the dampener off.
Problem is...the crank spins. Dampeners not going anywhere really easily.

So what's a safe way to ensure the crank won't spin while using the puller?

Thanks much!!

 

[bajaunderground]

Re: How to prevent crank from spinning when removing harmonic dampener/pulley

a wedge against the flywheel, I used a screw driver between the crank studs and lift! (I assume you're talking about the crank spinning when you loosen the bolt?) If not, sorry, no help?

 

[insttech1]

Re: How to prevent crank from spinning when removing harmonic dampener/pulley

Hmmm....how hard is it to get to the flywheel w/ the drive coupler installed?
Or is it easy to pull that and get to the flywheel without having to replace seals/orings, etc....??

And yeah, you're mostly right--but there's no bolt. It's a press-fit dampener w/ a key to ensure the timing mark is always in the correct position.

I could put some heat on it, but don't want to melt any seals....:facepalm:

 

[bajaunderground]

Re: How to prevent crank from spinning when removing harmonic dampener/pulley

Heat shouldn't be needed...if your coupler is still attached, then I'm not 100% sure...remove the starter and find a way to clamp some vise grips on the fly wheel? or find a hole for a bolt or screwdriver shaft that wedges against block?! I had the flywheel off and was able to use the studs (3.0 might be bolts?)...

Good luck!

 

[insttech1]

Re: How to prevent crank from spinning when removing harmonic dampener/pulley

OK I'll take a look and see what kind of trouble I can get into....definitely not in a hurry on this one, as she won't see the water for another 5 or 6 months.....LOL!!!

 

[bajaunderground]

Re: How to prevent crank from spinning when removing harmonic dampener/pulley

Ideally, having the coupler and flywheel cover off would make it easier? I think if you can get creative and whatnot, finding a way to hold the crank shouldn't be too hard? Back in the old days a LAS (Long A** Screwdriver) shoved up around the flywheel with the dust cover off...if the 3.0L (GM) is anything like my '96 5.0L (Ford) you have to remove the coupler and flywheel cover prior to removing the dust cover...that's what we used when yanking the pulleys...

Hopefully someone will come along with a nice and simple (maybe even preferred?) technique?

Ciao,

~Brett

 

[Silly Seville]

Re: How to prevent crank from spinning when removing harmonic dampener/pulley

If you are using the puller that threads 3 bolts into the pulley face and has a larger center bolt that presses against the center of the pulley...all you need to do is put an air impact wrench on the bolt that you're trying to turn by hand! The impact gun can impart way more torque in a much shorter period of time than you can with a hand held wrench, thus not giving the crank time to turn. This is how I have always disassembled harmonic dampers/flywheel bolts.

 

[insttech1]

Re: How to prevent crank from spinning when removing harmonic dampener/pulley

Yeah that gives me an idea too....since the old one is junk, maybe I can get a big a** c-clamp on it and lock that down w/ a tie-down strap or something, as I have it hanging over the edge of some 2x6's.....hmmmm

 

[insttech1]

Re: How to prevent crank from spinning when removing harmonic dampener/pulley

So I just posted over you Seville...didn't think that would do anything but turn the crank faster, but I can borrow an impact and give it a quick shot....

But just so you know--there is no center "bolt" in the end of my crank. There is just a relieved chamfer specifically designed to have the pointed tip of a puller rest inside of it.

 

[Silly Seville]

Re: How to prevent crank from spinning when removing harmonic dampener/pulley

edit

 

[insttech1]

Re: How to prevent crank from spinning when removing harmonic dampener/pulley

OK settle down, point taken.
I said I'd give it a shot. And yes, I do have PPE.
Not all of us are full time mechanics; we do what we need to, on the side, as it needs done. Hence the asking for advice.
The stuff I typically work on (electro-mechanical) is way too delicate for air tools.

 

[bajaunderground]

Re: How to prevent crank from spinning when removing harmonic dampener/pulley

Silly, while you points are taken, I was assuming that the OP didn't have an impact?! That being said, lots of stuff requiring an impact can be achieved w/o it...but it def. makes it easier!

~Brett

 

[dennis461]

Re: How to prevent crank from spinning when removing harmonic dampener/pulley

No old timers on board?
Pull a spark plug out.
Feed some small line into the cylinder (not all of it
Rotate engine till piston hits the rope.

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: How to prevent crank from spinning when removing harmonic dampener/pulley

No old timers on board?
Pull a spark plug out.
Feed some small line into the cylinder (not all of it
Rotate engine till piston hits the rope.

For us old timers, that works like magic. Keep a long end.

 

[insttech1]

Re: How to prevent crank from spinning when removing harmonic dampener/pulley

Ahh.....that rope trick rattles the brain a bit--I do remember of hearing about that.

That should work....and I have lots of rope.

Thanks everyone!!

 

[81 Checkmate]

Re: How to prevent crank from spinning when removing harmonic dampener/pulley

I have a strap pipe wrench (Ridgid brand) that i use alot in these situations. It will fit up to 10" pipe. It's made of with a nylon strap that goes around and locks back to itself.

Wrap around dampner and hold while turning center bolt on puller....Had to use this to remove oil filters before. Also use it to turn the motor over instead of the center bolt on a harmonic balencer.

Good luck!

 

[insttech1]

Re: How to prevent crank from spinning when removing harmonic dampener/pulley

OK guys thanks for all the ideas.
I'll come back and let you know which one works.
Like I said, this one is not a time cruncher.....I have months to finish this off.