Removing timing belt while motor is removed

[STPL]

Is there a way to remove the timing belt while the motor is out of the truck? There isn't anything to stop the crankshaft pulley from turning since the motor is disconnected from the transmission. I would like to get this done while the motor is out, but the only option I see is to put the new timing belt on first thing after I drop it back in the engine bay.

My important posts from this thread for easy reading. Thanks to all for the help!

I finally got the crank pulley off. I used a screwdriver in a hole on the flywheel braced against the block to stop the rotation of everything. But while we're on the topic of my timing belt woes, there is this metal disc/guard covering the crank gear so I cant take the belt off the gear. It looks as if I cant take off that plastic sensor / bracket because its part of the whole lower timing belt bracket assembly. I havent seen this in anyone else's instructions on changing the belt so I'm not sure what to do. http://imgur.com/a/KfMs4

Just to follow up on my own post here, I was having trouble because the cam shaft sensor looked like its part of the whole bracket and it wouldn't come off. After reading marks post and taking half a bottle of PB Blaster to the bracket I eventually wiggled it off. There is a post that it sits on that was making it very difficult to remove (see picture http://imgur.com/fqYWhRz). I ended up wedging a screwdriver underneath it and applying pressure while using another screwdriver to wiggle it back and forth until it popped off. From there the disc slides right off and the belt can be removed without a problem.

Another timing belt tip, do not remove the spring on the timing belt tensioner bolt. That bracket might be a little annoying to get into position, but releasing all the tension in the spring only makes things harder. If you end up removing the spring like I did it's much easier to remove the bolt that holds the bracket in place all together. That way the bracket pivots on the spring bolt and you will allow the bracket another half inch of play and you can get the spring back in without forcing it. Tighten the spring tensioner bolt until the spring wont pop off, then move the entire bracket assembly back so you can screw the holding bolt back in. Then you can get the belt on and release the tension bolt to apply tension to the belt. I hope I save someone a headache!

 

[sheltonfilms]

Impact wrench will take the bolt right out even with a free spinning engine.


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[sheltonfilms]

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[STPL]

Impact wrench will take the bolt right out even with a free spinning engine.


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I don't have access to an impact unfortunately. Any other tricks of the trade I can try?

 

[JamesH]

You can use a pry bar on the flywheel to hold the crank while you pop the crank bolt off.

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[sheltonfilms]

Two other possibilities:

Get an old belt and wrap around pulley and get a chain style pipe wrench to hold the pulley.

Or put screwdriver prybar against block and have tip hold flywheel teeth.


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[adsm08]

I like to back a few flywheel bolts out and stick the prybar between them to hold the crank still.

 

[sheltonfilms]

I like to back a few flywheel bolts out and stick the prybar between them to hold the crank still.

Now that's a winner idea.


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[STPL]

I like to back a few flywheel bolts out and stick the prybar between them to hold the crank still.

I would never of thought to try that! I'll be testing that method out this weekend.

 

[tomw]

Pull a spark plug and stuff some rope inside. Rotate the crankshaft CCW to jam the piston against the rope. Remove bolt, pulley, etc. Install new belt, route, tension, and add pulley. Rotate crankshaft CW, jam piston against head. Tighten. Rotate a bit CCW, remove rope, add spark. Install.
tom

 

[sheltonfilms]

Pull a spark plug and stuff some rope inside. Rotate the crankshaft CCW to jam the piston against the rope. Remove bolt, pulley, etc. Install new belt, route, tension, and add pulley. Rotate crankshaft CW, jam piston against head. Tighten. Rotate a bit CCW, remove rope, add spark. Install.

tom

I have never liked this method. If you get the engine on the exhaust stroke and not the compression stroke you can bend an exhaust valve.


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[RangerRich96]

I used a strap wrench to remove my crank pulley. I bought my truck with a broken timing belt, plus it's an auto therefore didn't have the means of locking the crank. I positioned the strap wrench so it wedged itself against the snout of the water pump or p/s bracket and this worked. If you have the motor out w/ the front accessories on it, then you should be able to do the same.

You can also get the cheap HF electric impact that goes on sale for $37 and try to zip it off, but I suggest still using a strap wrench to hold it somehow.

 

[STPL]

I have never liked this method. If you get the engine on the exhaust stroke and not the compression stroke you can bend an exhaust valve.


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Same. I've seen this method talked about but I'm not a fan of 'stuffing' and 'jamming' things inside my engine.

 

[tomw]

Yanno, with an engine hanging on a cherry picker, you'll do what you have to do.

If you have nothing else, you can be a bit careful and avoid being on the exhaust stroke. Even then, exhaust valve has to close at some time. Rope has been used for a long time with success, and I have never heard/read of any problem with using it and the process described. To each his own. I will continue to suggest this as a method to block crankshaft rotation without hesitation. If you cannot figure out which valve is open, maybe you should not be doing the work.
As my late brother used to say, "Whatever blows your dress up..."
Translate: Do what you want.
tom

 

[STPL]

I finally got the crank pulley off. I used a screwdriver in a hole on the flywheel braced against the block to stop the rotation of everything. But while we're on the topic of my timing belt woes, there is this metal disc/guard covering the crank gear so I cant take the belt off the gear. It looks as if I cant take off that plastic sensor / bracket because its part of the whole lower timing belt bracket assembly. I havent seen this in anyone else's instructions on changing the belt so I'm not sure what to do. http://imgur.com/a/KfMs4