s.o.s please help me

[madmechanic13]

I have a 97 ford ranger with the 2.3l ohc i am replacing the headgasket and have decided to go ahead and replace the timing belt while i am there. only i cant seem to get the pulley off the crank any ideas? any suggestions would be greatly appreciated...is the bolt right or left hand threaded?

 

[offroadranger]

common problem. you pretty much have to use an impact wrench. if you dont have one, try putting it in gear with the e brake on and using a breaker bar. it is regular thread, lefty loosy.

 

[madmechanic13]

thank you didnt want to try too hard if it was reverse threaded could prove to be bad....thanks will put to good use

 

[zamos]

Your also going to have to use a harmonic balancer puller - I'm sorry if you already knew that - Happy motoring !

 

[treblot]

You can borrow the harmonic balancer puller for free from Advance or Auto Zone for a refundable deposit if you don't have one.

 

[Dave R]

'97's don't have the holes in the crank pulley for a balancer puller.

Generally it's one of those 'gentle' persuasion (sp?) issues. Just be sure to unbolt the crank position sensor and move it out of the way before doing any persuading.