Timing belt replacement

[Gixer_81]

It is time for the cam belt change on my 95' plate Supra SZ, only problem is that i can't get the crank pulley off! Looking at the Toyota engine manual there is a special tool to lock the pulley off and release the bolt securing the pulley. I have spoken to my local toyota dealer and the mechanics say that they don't use the tool as it is crap and they don't have one in the workshop, they actually use what i can only describe as a big chain type oil filter removal tool to lock the pulley off, the only problem is you stand the chance of damaging the pulley (?214 to replace, ouch) So far i have tried brute force, heating the pulley up with a welding torch and a very powerful air gun! Please can some one help? Thanx
P.S i asked Toyota if they would do the cam belt change and they said yes but they are not liable for any damage done i.e if they break the pulley removing it. http://www.mkivsupra.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/help.gif

[Martin F]

Quote[/b] (Gixer_81 @ Jan. 18 2004,18:55)]So far i have tried brute force, heating the pulley up with a welding torch
That could have been an expensive mistake http://www.mkivsupra.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

The pulley acts as a harmonic dampener and the inner and outer pieces are connected via a large piece of rubber. Its not unusual to find that after one has been heated up for removal that when it goes back into service it falls apart. You can bet it won't fail just down the end of the road either.

When you do get yours off i think you're going to have to give it a good look over to see if the rubber looks damaged at all.

How to remove......................
Find the appropriate socket and a breaker bar or large wrench. Slot a piece of scaffold pole over the end of the bar or wrench and then wedge this bar against the ground. Now flick the starter motor over and the bolt should undo.

Obviously you need to make sure you get the scffold pole against the ground on the correct side of the car and use a good quality socket on the crank bolt. Keep hands and face clear.

Hope that helps

[Chris Wilson]

If you used a welding torch on it, then beaten it about I would consider it dead... martins shock it off with the starter is a good method. Your Toyota dealers method is dire. Holding the outer ring whilst undoing the inner mounted crank bolt will put all the "undo" torque through the rubber bonding. Again, after it's off it should be considered dead. *ankers http://www.mkivsupra.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif

[Nathan]

The Toyota method is scary beyond words. Quite frankly I'm amazed. The starter motor method works well in many cases but it's not always going to get them off. A HUGE air gun with the rad etc. out is the only way sometimes. As for your pully, I'd bin it anyway. Write off the cost of a new one and put it down to experience. As for refitting the new one, lock off the flywheel/flexiplate via the access port in the bellhousing and do up as tight as you can with a decent breaker bar. The one we use is about 2.5 foot long I think. As Martin says, the quality of breaker bar and socket is paramount. There is a very real chance of a serious injury if either lets go.

Regards,

Nathan.

[Gixer_81]

Thanx for the advice, took her back down the garage and tried the method suggested altough it did make me cringe, used snap-on tools and it worked first time, thanx again!http://www.mkivsupra.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif