I'm about to remove the crankshaft bolt as part of the front cover gasket replacement and it seems like the prescribed method of removing the bolt is to wedge a 2x4 between the block casing and a crankshaft balancing lobe. Are we certain that this method doesn't deform or risk breaking the actual block casting? Seems like an acute stress being applied in a direction it wasn't meant to support? Not an engineer. Just a smooth-brained ape.

 

I did the "rope-in-the-cylinder" many times - works great.

 

lol, what?

 

I assume he is referring to this

 

Yes exactly this. I'd only use the 2x4 if you want to bend your crank.

 

Oh! This is so much better. I'll do this instead. haha. Thanks!

 

I have used a wedge between block and crank lobe, worked fine. The rope trick is nice, but no oil between connecting rod pin or piston pin...hmmmmmm..those are smaller bearings than using the crank bearings alone with crank wedge...

Also, a high powered impact gun can knock it right off without and wedges....

Is block in truck? can you lock the ring gear..i think there is an LR tool for this....

 

Future reference...

Take harmonic balance bolt out...before...you remove oil pan.

Remove rubber plug that covers trans flexplate bolts to flywheel, turn flywheel until you can see an opening in flywheel, slip a 19mm deep well socket/with extension through hole and into opening in flywheel, turn crank until deep well socket stops rotation, use breaker bar to remove bolt.

 

oh awesome!! I actually haven’t taken the pan off yet so I’ll try this.