Thread: Is my deefer cursed? Removing a harmonic balancer

No, your motor car isn't cursed (unless you're cursing it right now).... and it looks like you've got a stubborn one !

.... it's unfortunate that you've broken good tools, but you're not using them correctly

there are many threads on this site about how to do this and the difflock recommendations include a special tool (which you can make) to hold the crankshaft while you undo the nut with a 3/4 drive 27mm socket (see correction in post#4 below) with a very long breaker bar...

that bolt is supposed to be very tight !

I know that many people manage to loosen them by whacking their tool on the chassis rail with the starter but it's definitely NOT the recommended method... and I hope you've disconnected the fuel solenoid activation....

Some person may have used too much loktite on a previous occasion and if so this can be softened with juducious heat applied to the head of the crankshaft bolt.

I didnt disconnect the fuel solenoid. And bracing against the axle is a no no. It managed to lift the body an inch every time i hit the starter.
Don't think it had an effect otherwise, the starter broke the breaker bars and i had it turned off before it fired properly. It didn't even let the plume of smoke out the back.
Looks like Ill be spending tomorrow morning building a tool to hold the pulley so i can tighten it back up.

for others, as i'm sure the OP knows by now, the socket for 200tdi is 1 3/16", larger than 300tdi which are 1 1/16". some early 300tdi were also 1 3/16"

sorry to butt in


jc

Originally Posted by justinc

for others, as i'm sure the OP knows by now, the socket for 200tdi is 1 3/16", larger than 300tdi which are 1 1/16". some early 300tdi were also 1 3/16"

sorry to butt in


jc

Not a problem, I was a bit confused about all the posts online (mainly 300tdi) saying you need a 27mm socket. If that was the case Id be laughing. 2 mates Ive had a chat to both had them in 3/4 drive.

There was a thread and a short film showing a tool that makes getting these nuts undone a piece of cake. I made one for my motor recently. It worked a treat. http://www.aulro.com/afvb/technical-chatter/161587-easy-way-remove-crankshaft-bolt.html
They also need to be done up reasonably tight as you noticed. There is some discussion also on tightening the nut up at home.
Mod that thread "easy way to remove crank shaft bolt " needs to be put in Document and tutorials
Cheers Hall

PM sent.

dont forget to heat the thing up... that'll soften the loctite if its been used.

You need to extend the breaker bar so as it will come to a stop ON TOP of the passenger side chassis rail. Position the end of the bar (or extension) about 50mm above the chassis rail, disconnect the fuel solenoid and one click on the starter should do it, if you can get 3/4" drive gear, all the better, Regards Frank.