How to remove the Crank bolt on an Automatic Z with head off?

[kurtwwalters]

I have to replace my timing chain - the head is off the motor. This car is a 70 Z with an automatic, so I can't rely on a clutch to keep the motor from turning over - how do I get the crank bolt off without turning the motor over? Is there a special tool or does someone have a tip? I've searched already but to no avail.... any advice would be appreciated.

[madkaw]

Take the starter off and use a prybar to hold the flywheel steady.

Or if you are not worried about changing the position of the engine-as far as keeping it TDC or something like that-use the starter to break the torque on the bolt. Put a socket and ratchet on the crank bolt and wedge it in the right direction(motor turns clockwise), hit the starter and boom

[george71z]

Impact wrench (if you have a compressor)

[Gary in NJ]

Impact wrench (if you have a compressor)

This. Any other method is potentially asking for trouble.

[beermanpete]

If there is access to the ring gear you can hold the ring gear with a flywheel turning tool.

http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/80530/10002/-1?parentProductId=751072&?sendroicid=bbef8492-2d00-41d6-b158-38db0de2603c&sendroiad=6447433631&sendroikwd=flywheel+tool&gclid=CO6HvNi8zK0CFQR5hwodjDS0gg

[John Coffey]

Set the engine at TDC and then advance it forward about 180 degrees at the crank. Remove the spark plug on #1. Take a length of 3/8" nylon or poly rope and push it into the cylinder through the spark plug hole. Push in as much as you can. Put the socket and ratchet on the crank bolt and loosen away. Once loose, advance the engine a little bit using the bolt on the camshaft and then pull the rope out.

[kurtwwalters]

John - thanks but the head is off so I can't go that route. I don't have a compressor good enough to drive an impact. I don't have access to the ring gear unless just pulling the starter off is enough access.

I can try and jam the flywheel with something, but I'll have to take off the starter and take a look first...

[madkaw]

Working on 40 year old cars is a potential for problems

[John Coffey]

Take a flat piece of steel and drill two holes on each end so you can bolt it to the deck, across a cylinder, via two of the head bolt holes. Put a chunk of hard rubber between the piston and the piece of steel. Loosen the crank bolt.

[olzed]

Take a flat piece of steel and drill two holes on each end so you can bolt it to the deck, across a cylinder, via two of the head bolt holes. Put a chunk of hard rubber between the piston and the piece of steel. Loosen the crank bolt.

Good idea.

[LeonV]

I've loosened the crank bolt on a block with a method similar to John's. I cut up some extra roll bar padding and put it on top of a cylinder. Then I just put the head back on and tightened 4 used head bolts around that cylinder, not to spec but just tight enough for the head not to be loose. Get a big bar on there and you're done! Of course, this is if you have access to a head and have your old bolts laying around.

[jmortensen]

Go rent an electric impact gun from your local industrial supply / equipment rental place.