How to Loose bolt in end of crank.

[triker]

Hi all, I am a new user who has a 93 GEO Metro. I was trying to replace the front main seal this Sat. and I couldn't get the bolt out of the crank to remove the timeing sprocket. I have a 1/2" impact wrench w/125 lbs compressor.I could not budge it. Anyone know the trick for removeing that thing. Thanks all

[pind]

ok, there are going to be replies to this one. Anyway, what I have found in the past is that some of the bolts have loctite on them. In this case, it is best to use a small propane torch and heat the head of the bolt up to liquify the loctite, then bang it out with your impact wrench. Another method, is to crank on a 24" breaker bar like a barbarian. Or, use a shorter breaker bar, and mack it with a hammer. Best of luck on getting the bolt out.

[geozukigti]

I agree with heating it, but make sure it doesn't get too hot, you'll melt the seal to the crankshaft, and then you'll have to polish that back out. What I did is remove the inspection plate from the side of a tranny, jam the flywheel with a large screwdriver, and used a 2' breaker bar with a piece of exhaust pipe over the end to extend the breaker bar a couple more feet. Broke it loose on the first try. Just be careful of lifting the car off the jacks.

[triker]

Thanks pind and geozukigti for the info. will try again in a wk. or so.

[raven_101]

You could try a "starter bump" if you can't get it off that way. I've never done it on a Metro but I have on other cars. You pull the wires off (so that the car doesn't start up), put a 1/2 inch drive rachet or breaker bar on the crank bolt, and rest the rachet against the subframe or whatever. Then get in the car and crank the starter for just a second. You'll hear a crack and the bolt will be loose.

[geozukigti]

I did that on my Dynasty when doing the headgaskets. Not widely recemmonded, but I guess it will work when nothing else does. Make sure you're using a 6 point socket, not a 12, unless you wanna round the head off.

[Valero]

Use the weigth ot the car:
Fool proof method. It has worked for me in removing crankshafts off of larger engines.
Get a braker bar at a 90 degree angle, slide the tire jack under it and jack it up very slowly and carefully. The weight of the car and the force of the jack will loose the bolt.
It works on any bolt !!!!

[Zogboy]

if you use an impact try tighteninf first
then loose, helps get things moving