Author Topic: Loosening Crank Bolt (Read 3044 times)

PeabnutBubber · « **on:** January 03, 2012, 11:36:23 PM »

Hey there, I just bought a low-mileage M42 and I need to get to the timing case. Has anyone loosened the crank bolt without the engine being in the car?

I was wondering if anyone has done this before I start getting clever in the backyard.

d.hitchcock · « **Reply #1 on:** January 04, 2012, 08:18:40 AM »

I've seen pictures of Robert-Peerless doing it on an engine stand. He has a jack handle on the crank-holding tool and another jack handle on the breaker bar.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #2 on:** January 04, 2012, 08:51:56 AM »

Maybe ask a BMW service department if you can borrow some tools? They've been somewhat nice to me in the past, and I don't even get my car serviced there. The crank locking pin and crank bolt-on thingey make this a lot easier, of course.

I've loosened them on other motors before with a big pair of vice-grip pliers on the crank pulley wedged against something firm (like the ground). The vice-grip will hold on even as it twists, and will damage the crank pulley flanges. It's a spare pulley, right? You can bend or bang them back into shape if required though.

I remain unsure of why BMW figured it should be on that tight. Sounds like a band-aid for a very choppy motor to me.

atdm3 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 05, 2012, 01:17:02 PM »

Here is the thread d. hitchcock is referring to:

http://www.e30tech.com/forum/showthread.php?t=101385

MikeDE · « **Reply #4 on:** January 10, 2012, 01:34:23 PM »

Is it on a stand or is the FW on, or installable ATM??

If the FW's on or can be quickly bolted on, do so then bring the motor to TDC. There is a hole in the block where you can insert a drill bit(5/8, 15mm, IIRC) into a hole in the FW. This is how I broke mine loose the second time(the first was with my impact at the junkyard). It is normal thread BTW, righty-tighty lefty-loosy.

nickmpower · « **Reply #5 on:** January 11, 2012, 02:14:22 AM »

once I had to wedge a block of wood between the crank and block (oil pan was off) while my dad stood on the motor which was laying down on the ground while I used a 5ft cheater pipe. That fucker was so tight. Impact wrench wouldnt touch it.