Mr. Goodtool

Hello all, I searched all the threads and haven't read anything about the problem i'm experiencing. I have a 455 engine that I wanted to change the vibration damper on... problem is, the front crank bolt holding it on, wont budge. the bolt head is 1-1/8". I sprayed WD-40 around the backside of it, Then used a 24" long breaker bar. Also to prevent the engine from turning over, I used a 3/8" socket extension, dropped into one of the holes that were drilled into the stock balancer's outer ring. After bracing the extension against the water pump, then using a cheater bar for leverage, I managed to turn the inner ring on the vibration damper without loosening the bolt.....and the outer ring didn't move....
Facing the front of the motor, the breaker bar and socket should turn counterclock wise....12:00 towards 9:00....righty tighty-lefty loosey....WTF!!
ANY suggestions out there??

MDchanic

Yes, use an air wrench.

And, if that doesn't work, then use an air wrench.

Also, you can't use the outside of the balancer to turn against, because you'll spin the balancer and wreck it.

Welcome to Classic Olds.

- Eric

Octania

from what I read above, you HAVE ruined the balancer.

A powerful, name brand air wrench is the usual solution.

I hear that folks have used a breaker bar propped against something then bumped the starter [disabled ignition first], using the starter to supply the required torque to break loose the balancer bolt.

You know you need a puller that grips the center hub [well, if the balancer was not already ruinied], and an installer to press it back on, right?


What started this project?

Oh, and welcome to the fiasco.

2blu442

I've fought with this too, and agree with Eric. Use an air wrench! The torque spec's for this say minimum 160 ft lbs so its going to be tough to remove it without an air wrench.

John

MDchanic

It seems understatement transmits about as well on the interwebs as sarcasm does.

- Eric

Mr. Goodtool

OOPS!! adendem to my situation....I forgot to mention that I have had the viberation damper off before, when I installed a cloys timing chain set. back then, I used a piece of all-thread and a nut plus washers to reinstall the old vibration damper back on. The old crankshaft was still in the motor....THAT's how I thought I knew the correct rotation of the bolt, to remove it. SINCE that time, the motor was rebuilt. The old crankshaft had too much endplay, and was replaced. could it be that the replacement crank has reverse pitch threads on the front snout and corresponding reverse threaded bolt????

MDchanic

No way José.

- Eric

Mr. Goodtool

Thanks all, I kinda figured it out for myself about the old damper being junk now....My buddy has an air wrench impact gun, but his air compressor quit this world. I have to get one of those, and try again.
Regards, and thanks for the welcome notes!!

ELY442

I agree with Octania. I use the starter to break the bolt loose. Works every time I do it.

edzolz

When You replaced the balancer before, did you use loctite on the threads? If so, good luck removing it this time without a heavy duty air impact. I have used a large screwdriver to wedge into the flywheel teeth to hold the engine from turning. Usually takes two people.

Mr. Goodtool

ELY442; I'm assuming the braker bar should be angled towards the bottom driver's side? then with the coil wire removed, tap the starter? that sound about right?

Mr. Goodtool

EDZOLZ; The motor was professionally assembled for me. I doubt locktite was used...
regards!

MDchanic

Yes, wedge a long breaker bar against the ground on the left side, remove the coil wire, and tap the starter a few times.
Better with two people (or wire up a starter button to the solenoid), so you can shout if you see anything going terribly wrong.

- Eric

Mr. Goodtool

Awesome! I have a close buddy who can assist. Great idea by the way! Thanks Everyone.

matt69olds

If you have a small propane torch put a little heat into the bolt. If the crank is held solid a long ratchet with a cheater bar should break it loose. I agree, a air gun would be ideal but you should be able to loosen it by hand. Wont be easy but enough leverage will do it.

Mr. Goodtool

Hello to all! The starter key trick worked like a charm!! I was also suprised to find out that the bolt threads and washer had locktite on them! The starter was up for the challenge tho, and the cheater bar slipped over the breaker bar was the long handle off my floor jack.

oldcutlass

Here hold this...

ELY442

Yes

ELY442

Ha, have a friend hold the end of the spark plug wire while you crank the motor. Give him a shock of his life.

Macadoo

I use my floor jack handle for a breaker all the time. it works great! And X3 on bumping the starter. Worked for me, glad it worked for you.