locking or holding the engine from turning?

[1980]

Probably a so simple I can't see it, but, I'm replacing my clutch and while removing the pressure plate bolts I had to use a pry bar to keep the engine from spinning. PIA. Sooo, in getting ready to install, Is there an easy way to keep the engine from spinning whie I tighten bolts?

 

[ryoken]

http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/pu...0sDwedoPL8c8OtiRJjzDnc9yvqRUCvucTMh4ne0NdxbYQ

 

[79bonanza]

put a rachet and socket on the harmonic balancer with a long handle or a cheater pipe just to bind the rachet up into something like a fender or frame rail and it should keep the engine from turning over.

may want to check and make sure the balancer bolt is tight just incase the way you were turning ,could be loosing that bolt

 

[TexasSilhouette]

http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/pu...0sDwedoPL8c8OtiRJjzDnc9yvqRUCvucTMh4ne0NdxbYQ

 

[wasted wages]

roll the engine over till # 1 starts to come up on its compression stroke....remove the spark plug.......

slip in a 2 foot piece of 3/8 nylon rope into the hole...turn the engine slowly till the piston compresses the rope against the cylinder head.......

when you are done..... roll the engine back...pull the rope out..put the plug back in...

also works well for changing valve springs on the engine in a pinch....

 

[1980]

Thanks, I'm gonna try the rope technique first. I have rope here and won't have to go to town. What is the tool in the pic called, does it have any other uses?

 

[ryoken]

it's a flywheel turning tool.. they're relatively cheap...


http://www.google.com/search?q=flyw...gc.r_pw.&fp=7b2a1dda4f65c836&biw=1582&bih=731

 

[sweetk30]

DO NOT USE THE HARMONIC BALENCER BOLT !!!!!!

this might just get you a broken bolt in the crank. search here its happened to others in the past with bad results.

the rope trick prob safer .

but there is nothin like a good old flywheel holder tool like posted for 100% safe holding and NOT damaging stuff.

 

[TexasSilhouette]

Oreally's [sic] has one for $40.00.

You'll be glad you did.
Lisle 23800.
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/LIS0/23800.oap?keyword=23800

 

[1980]

Just checked online and no one in town has one in stock, have to order.
I hate going to town anyway. I'm gonna try the rope or try to rig up something like those tools. I want to finish this now.


Here we go again,,seems like everytime I post, I end up running to town and spending my ice cream money on tools,

 

[diesel4me]

A pry bar inserted in between the flywheel teeth and a dowel pin on the block has always worked for me when I lacked that proper tool!...I'd stay clear of the balancer bolt,I've had them strip or snap off before when trying to hold an engine still or crank one over by hand more than once...dont try grabbing the balancer by its outer portion either,its only bonded on by rubber--break that bond and you risk having that outer ring becoming a missle at high rpms!..