Hey guys.

1985 302 FI

I really need some good ideas as to how to get the bolt off the harmonic balancer. I got the pulley off, but that damn bolt is solid and the balancer keeps turning when I try to get it off. Also, refresh my memory....Is the bolt reverse threaded or left to remove? Thanks.

 

lefty loosey.

you really need an air impact wrench.

if you dont have one, borrow or buy one, if thats absolutley out of the question there are two other options:

-put vehicle in gear and blocks in front of tires and get a breaker bar and have at it

-my least favorite, but hear it works is - put a breaker bar under the frame and quickly crank it over

 

Don't have air compressor. I have done your least favorite method before, but I had a partner help and I don't want to do this either. I also tightened one that way. Not plan A today. I'll try putting her in gear.

 

Ya try it in gear with some blocks.

Air compressor/impact works like a charm though. It really is worth it if you can get your hands on a buddies or something.....


Good luck!

 

Believe me I've wanted one long enough. My neighbor's is out and he has the part but hasn't fixed it yet. Harbor freight is on my list, just got to work on the wife......

 

Walter, I changed the timing chain and sprockets on my '95 f 150 a few months ago when I bought it. I have the 302, and used a breaker bar with the right size socket laid on top of the driver side chassis. Then I just bridged the starter solenoid real quick and the bolt broke loose right away.have done several of these the same way. It takes a split second to do. Remember to have the key off and in neutral if it is a stick, and in park if an automatic. Good luck and just work safely ........Ernie

 

Thanks. That is option B. I'll bridge the solenoid if putting it in gear won't work for me. Let me ask....How did you get it on? Same method after you thread it and it turns, you use breaker and bridge solenoid?

 

To put it back on I just put a pair of vice grips on the flywheel to prevent the engine from turning. You can also have someone hold a screwdriver or chisel against the starter ring gear on the flywheel wedged against the bellhousing while you tighten the bolt. I have also used the breaker bar against the opposite side of the chassis. Remember, the torque on that bolt calls for about 150 lbs. ft. Just try to pick the method that you are comfortable with, as there are several methods of doing this. ...Ernie

 

I have to run out for awhile and do a few errands. I'll come back on here when I return....Ernie

 

I put my fan pulley on and used a strap wrench to hold it in place while I ratcheted with the other hand... it's not easy, but it'll work