2blu442

I'm trying to remove the crankshaft from a 1966 425 that I pulled from a Toronado. The problem I've run into is that my whimpy compressor/air wrench will not spin loose the bolt that holds the balancer on so I'll need to take it to a shop for that help. I've taken a lot of motors apart and believed these bolts had standard direction threads, but this one has a large "L" in the head. I'm used to that meaning left handed threads. Before I ask someone to put a 3/4 air wrench on this I need to clarify that... can anybody confirm if its right or left handed threads for this specific motor?
John

mauls

I just removed the timing chain cover, and the pulley off of my 425 block, and I removed that nut with an impact, it was normal thread

Run to Rund

L is the manufacturer's logo. It is a 3/4 fine thread bolt, standard right hand threads, torqued to 160 ft lb. I block the flywheel and use a long breaker bar/cheater pipe.

joe_padavano

The other thing I've done is to make a holder tool by welding a piece of pipe to an old crank pulley. Bolt that tool to the balancer and use it to keep the motor from turning.

2blu442

Thank you for the suggestions guys. I made the mistake of stripping the motor down before breaking this loose, so now the crank is freely rotating without any real resistance. I'll try your suggestions before taking it to a shop.
John

Run to Rund

You can also use a deep balancing hole in a counterweight of the crank. Put a 1/2" drive extension in the hole and let it stop against the oil pan rail.

wmachine

Reminds me of the old trick to remove a spark plug and fill the cylinder with rope (like clothesline).

Olds64

Kurt, I've also used the "rope trick" before. You can do this when replacing valve guide seals.

If all else fails you can reinstall one head and put the bolts in "snug." Then you can use the "rope trick" to prevent the engine from rotating.

Warhead

Use your "wimpy" impact wrench to tighten it first, then loosen it.
If that does not work, use a long breaker bar to tighten, then loosen it.
It works for me.
Jim

joe_padavano

Actually, the problem with your impact wrench may be easy to fix. I recently had this problem. My ancient Craftsman impact wrench had been steadily loosing torque. It got to the point that it wouldn't even loosen the lug nuts on my dually. I unscrewed the air inlet fitting and there was a metal screen inside the fitting with a foam filter. The foam had deteriorated and gummed up, effectively restricting the inlet pressure. I removed the foam and the impact wrench works like new now.