Thread: crank pulley wtf

I believe my crank pulley just separated...
When using my timing light the pulley marks are to the left (about 20*) of the area the light hits.

Can the pulley be changed with the motor in the car?

Yes it can. Quite easily if you have the right tools.

Quoted for truth.

Impact gun FTW

Yep, happens all the time as the pulley's get older.

Change it in the car. Pretty easy job. Sometimes they come right off, other times they are a pain and require a puller.

To crack the pulley bolt lose you can do one of two things without the use of an impact gun if its not available. Put the car in gear ebrake up hard and wheels chocked, keep at least the drivers side wheel on the ground and take a breaker bar and socket to it. or if you want to cheat and make it even easier. Just put the breaker bar on the pulley, again passenger side lifted up, car in neutral, make sure the bar is resting against the control arm, blip the starter and it will break the bolt loose in an instant. Pretty easy trick.

Just make sure when you put the new pulley on to torque the bolt down good using the first metho d i said again if an impact gun is not available.

Pep boys can probably rent a crank puller tool for $50 refundable deposit.

Or you can use two pry bar (since the crank pulley is already damaged it can be damaged more by pry bars) and pry it off the crank. I have done that method twice and used the correct tool a few times and it all works the same.

There are some options for you to choose from. Remember to replace seals while you are there.

get a pulley puller(rent or buy). then use a breaker bar and socket to break the bolt loose. the easy way is to rest the breaker bar against the frame then tap the starter.

Just spoke with Gregv about another pulley....

This works good as well. I have done this, BUT be careful not to damage the front cover when prying!

Yeah i have used the prybar method pretty much every single time and have always been able to get it off. Sometimes it takes a bit of finessing but it works. Again just dont pry too hard against the front cover. Take your time and it will come off.