Crankshaft Bolt

I replaced the timing belt and water pump on the '97 Protégé (1.5L with
chain drive between the cams). I read in a posting someplace of difficulties
breaking the crankshaft bolt loose. I had similar problems but want to share
my solution with anyone else who might need to do this.

After locking up the crankshaft (4th gear, flywheel ring gear...however),
fit a breaker bar with the 21mm socket to the bolt such that the arm of the
bar is somewhat horizontal. This should be positioned such that an upward
force is needed to loosen the bolt. The arm will point towards the front of
the car.

Position a scissors jack under the end of the breaker bar and extend it
upward, exerting rotational force on the bolt. This will break the bolt
free. Be careful of the jack or the arm of the bar slipping.

Best,

Ken

Or you can always just turn the starter and loosen the bolt.

--
Bryan W
http://fordprobeshop.com
"KWS" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:v2gsc.105575$xw3.6209943@attbi_s04...
> I replaced the timing belt and water pump on the '97 Protégé (1.5L with
> chain drive between the cams). I read in a posting someplace of
difficulties
> breaking the crankshaft bolt loose. I had similar problems but want to
share
> my solution with anyone else who might need to do this.
>
> After locking up the crankshaft (4th gear, flywheel ring gear...however),
> fit a breaker bar with the 21mm socket to the bolt such that the arm of
the
> bar is somewhat horizontal. This should be positioned such that an upward
> force is needed to loosen the bolt. The arm will point towards the front
of
> the car.
>
> Position a scissors jack under the end of the breaker bar and extend it
> upward, exerting rotational force on the bolt. This will break the bolt
> free. Be careful of the jack or the arm of the bar slipping.
>
> Best,
>
> Ken
>
>
>

I've heard that can be done. You will have to re-align the crankshaft
with the cam (which isn't all that difficult with this engine). Of
course you don't want to use this technique on interference engines
(which this is not).

My only other concern might be the stress on the ring gear. But maybe
it's not too big a deal.

Best,

Ken


Bryan wrote:
> Or you can always just turn the starter and loosen the bolt.
>
> --
> Bryan W
> http://fordprobeshop.com
> "KWS" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news:v2gsc.105575$xw3.6209943@attbi_s04...
>> I replaced the timing belt and water pump on the '97 Protégé (1.5L with
>> chain drive between the cams). I read in a posting someplace of
> difficulties
>> breaking the crankshaft bolt loose. I had similar problems but want to
> share
>> my solution with anyone else who might need to do this.
>>
>> After locking up the crankshaft (4th gear, flywheel ring gear...however),
>> fit a breaker bar with the 21mm socket to the bolt such that the arm of
> the
>> bar is somewhat horizontal. This should be positioned such that an upward
>> force is needed to loosen the bolt. The arm will point towards the front
> of
>> the car.
>>
>> Position a scissors jack under the end of the breaker bar and extend it
>> upward, exerting rotational force on the bolt. This will break the bolt
>> free. Be careful of the jack or the arm of the bar slipping.
>>
>> Best,
>>
>> Ken
>>
>>
>>
>
>