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Mother******* Crank bolt

chrsmi1

chrsmi1

Awesome Level Member
The title says it all. It's as stuck as stuck can be. I've looked around and found plenty of other threads on here and other sites that suggest a host of ideas. So far, i've only tried an Impact wrench (not a cheap one either, kobalt) @ 125 psi. Did not make a dent. I've also put a ton of WD-40 on it and tried it again. Nothing.

So my question is which method is preferred? The engine is still in the car, btw.

Should I hit it with a little heat and try it with the impact after that? My only way of doing this btw is getting a cheap handheld propane torch. I'm not big on this idea, as it's right next to the oil filter and makes me a little uncomfortable. But if it's the best way i will try it.

Should i try the starter method? This again, is a little janky and would not be my preferred way. But i'm willing if you guys have had success with it.

Should i try to jam the flywheel? I'm leaning toward this. Anybody had any success with this?

And any other methods that you guys can think of that might work. I got a ton of tools and an air compressor so that's not an issue. Just need ideas as i'm giving it another go tomorrow.
 


When stuck, I did the starter trick. It worked like a champ.
There's really a limited amount of space for a socket and big mother breaker bar.

I'd also look over your compressors regulator. If it'll go 150, you'll likely get it.
 
It'll go up that high. I'll try that. If after a couple of tries nothing, then i guess i'm doing the flywheel method.
 


I use a good 1/2" breaker bar with a long cheater pipe and block the flexplate, also a 6 pt impact socket. If you have a 3/4" breaker bar/socket, even better.
 
Starter!!

I had to do one with the engine out once. My problem was I was flipping the engine around on the floor. Starter with your strongest breaker bar.
 
I take out the big 3/4 impact. At 150psi that thing will turn the earth.....
If you can get your hands on one it will do the trick.
 


I usually just put a big ole ratchet on it and and rest the handle of the ratchet somewhere on the subframe where it wont move around too much. Disable either fuel or spark. Then make sure nobody is standing in the wheel well. and crank it. The starter is plenty powerful enough to break it loose.

Do not jam the flywheel! This method works great! I have even dont it with the subframe out of the car just by jumping terminals on the starter when its got a good strong battery source.

I can almost guarantee no impact bought from a store will ever remove a crank bolt(if torqued properly) I wanna say it was like 110 ft lbs plus 90 deg. Which ends up coming to a little over 220 ft/lbs. I think about the only impact that would do it would be a Snap on, or Cornwell or similar. Turning up the air pressure really doesnt do much. Not to mention if its not the great impact pressure that high could damage it before it would get anything loose.
 
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Haven't had to do it for the GP yet, but starter trick is the way to go. Did it many times on other cars without ever failing.
 
gtpguy98 said:
Harbor freight earthquake 100psi hit for 5 secs. done
Click to expand...

harbor freight blows! I bought that (earthquake) pos. 1/2 in. More like aftershock. Says on the box rated at 740 ftlbs. My ass. Bought this piece of junk specifically for getting my crank bolt off. Couldn't even get my wheels off with it. Took it back immediately tried the 3/4 inch earthquake. 900ftlbs. Still nothing. Rule of thumb with tools. Especially power tools. U get what u pay for. People ask me all the time... Mostly my mom or my g/f, what's the difference they all have lifetime warranty. My answer jus always the same. The difference is even with craftsman, u get a lifetime warranty and if u r doing a good amount of wrenching u will b back at sears all the time replacing tools. Buy snap on and u will never have to use the warranty. I ended up finding a guy on Craigs selling all his air tools. Got 2 impacts, an air ratchet, grinder, hammer and a bunch of sockets and chisels and crap for just under 500 bucks.
 


OK. Update: I tried turning up the air pressure on my compressor to the max. Still did not touch it.
So I used the starter trick. I don't have a breaker bar and neither does my local Lowes so I just put some pvc over my 1/2 ratchet and went for it.
Worked like a charm. I took a video. I'll post it in a minute.
In the meantime, does anyone have any suggestions of where to place the jack on the subframe when I go to lower it tomorrow? Or any other cam install helpful suggestions?
 
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