Corpsvette

This is more of a tools question but will the impact wrenches that boast 240 to 340 lbs/tq break the crank bolt loose and retighten the new crank bolt back to specs? I just got a new compressor and shopping for air tools but don't really need an impact wrench unless it is capable of doing this. If it can't then why does it say they are rated up to this amount of tq. I also saw one that boasted 1000 lb/tq with twin clutches for $200 on ebay. Would this do it? Could I even hold this in my hands or would it flip me around the bolt ?

Thanks,

Jim

Crazy Man

iTrader: (6)

NO!!!!!! its very easy to strip the crank with one

goober35

iTrader: (1)

I perfer the starter method. Breaker bar on the crank bolt and then turn the motor over with the starter with the coil packs unpluged. This will break the bolt loose. But you need 2 people and a lot of ***** to hold that breaker bar in placeas it strikes the ground.

blkZ28spt

Some people use an impact wrench to remove the crank bolt, others say it's not good as it's not meant to handle any force directly against it. I wouldn't do it.

You should NEVER use the impact wrench to reinstall the crank bolt, that is one hundred percent agreed upon.


I used a small torch to warm the crank bolt up before removal and it wasn't hard to break loose.

Tally TransAm

iTrader: (17)

use a breaker bar and some pipe extension and do it the right way

or you could use an impact and post back in a few weeks with "did pulley swap, crank threads are fubarred, why?"

in all honestly though, it will probably take it off, i wouldnt use it though. putting it on with an impact is something that should never enter you mind.

GM Muscle

iTrader: (9)

My cheap $90 Craftsman impact wrench would not touch the crank bolt (think it's rated for 300-350ft/lbs). I had to use a 1/2" breaker bar with a jack handle on the end of it to break it loose. Used the same thing to stretch the new bolt too.

daryl2cb@yahoo.com

iTrader: (2)

agreed go the old fashion way and skip the air tools, especailly for the reinstall. good luck with the swap, and stay away from ebay tools unless they are name brand. IMO

Wnts2Go10O

iTrader: (12)

get a nice impact wrech neways, o dear god its soo useful, but yea 6ft long metal pipe and socket will break her loose

Cody Brooks

iTrader: (2)

if you use a hamonic balancer installer (like you should instead of the long bolt method) to press the pulley back into place and then start the crank bolt in a little ways you will not have a problem with the threads even if you use an impact to tighten the bolt. GM Tech for 3 years and saw it done that way many times never had a problem never had a crank bolt come out a week later or any of that. As for breaking the bolt loose an very powerul, 600-up ft. lbs, impact should be able to bust it loose if you have a good air supply. HOWEVER, thats not always the case after 90,000 miles the crank bolt in mine didn't want to come out so I used a prybar to hold the flywheel and a long handled ratchet and cheater pipe to break it loose and then used the impact to turn it out the rest of the way. I did mine that way seen many others done that way and not a problem with doing them that way at all if you know what your doing. some people think that they can start a bolt in useing an impact and to an extent you can but more than half will be cross-threaded and end up trashing the threads or breaking the bolt off in the hole. if you get bolts started good you shouldn't have any problems using air tools.

Grimes

iTrader: (3)

You can go to sears and get an extra long 1/2" ratchet, then get a 3ft long piece of pipe to fit over it. With this setup you can get at the crank bolt from the top of the engine bay for room. Took me ONE try to get the bolt off. Screw impact tools for getting that bolt out - leverage will work best!

Drew778

iTrader: (2)

I used a impact gun for both, I not skeerd

Dan_the_C5_Man

Using an impact to remove the bolt is fine.. Not for re-installation, of course.

PREDATOR-Z

I agree on removal of bolt. I've done mine with impact every time to remove and long pipe with high quality trq wrench to put on.
Heating the pulley at 250*F before helps a lot. (don't forget the mittons.)

Corpsvette

Thanks everyone. I think I have a pretty good idea of what to do and not do. As usual, this forum has been a huge help.

Jim K.

GuitsBoy

iTrader: (4)

yeah, its surprisingly easy to break loose and also to stretch the new bolt (tighten) using a half inch breaker bar and a 3 or 4 cheater pipe. I also use the jack handle as its always readily available. Pulling the balancer with a 3 jaw puller is a giant pain in the *** though, even with heat.

Predator

Just to add a little fuel to the fire, I used a Craftman 1/2" impact to remove the bolt and to do a little more tightening when reinstalling, so far no problems. I ripped a fingernail off trying to get the crank bolt off by hand. I guess if you can do it by hand, that's the best way.

blkZ28spt

Did you stretch the new bolt into place as instructed?

Phate

iTrader: (2)

LOL, you guys need to get the gym more often! I have always taken the crank bolt off with a 1/2" ratchet and put it back on with a 1/2" torque wrench.

GuitsBoy

iTrader: (4)

I broke a half inch ratchet taking the pulley off. Ive also sheared the bolt in the end of the breaker bar. If you car about your knuckles at all I wouldnt use a ratchet alone, atleast use a cheater pipe.

HavATampa

iTrader: (49)

lol....I was thinking the same thing. Why would anybody risk breaking a good ratchet when a breaker bar should be used instead?