I'm changing the timing belt (and hopefully that will be all!) because it broke. I have broken a 1/2 socket trying to unscrew the bolt going counterclockwise and I have an impact socket and have tried going clockwise and I snapped a 1/2 extension I was using. What am I doing wrong. (The flywheel is wedged with a screwdriver in the bellhousing. I just sprayed some WD-40 on it in lieu of penetrating oil.) In case you are wondering, I still seem to have compression in each cylinder, so I guess I'm pretty lucky??? What is the secret to getting the bolt off??

 

Try using a long pipe about 4' feet long or longer with one of your 1/2 socket wrenches. It should do the job.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by technine &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Try using a long pipe about 4' feet long or longer with one of your 1/2 socket wrenches. It should do the job.</TD></TR></TABLE>

.. but use a breaker bar instead of a socket wrench, I've broken a 1/2" crapsman ratchet taking off axle nuts before.

 

I did use a bar about 4ft long to get the leverage needed to break those items. My biggest question is do I go clockwise or counterclockwise. I've busted the ratchets going each way, but if I new positively which way to go, I may try an impact wrench.

Kevin

 

It's a standard-threaded bolt. In other words, counter-clockwise to loosen (lefty-loosey, righty-tighty). That bolt always seems to be a bitch.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by kpringcivic &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> have tried going clockwise and I snapped a 1/2 extension I was using. What am I doing wrong.</TD></TR></TABLE>

That's what you are doing wrong. It is counter-clockwise.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by kpringcivic &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I did use a bar about 4ft long to get the leverage needed to break those items. My biggest question is do I go clockwise or counterclockwise. I've busted the ratchets going each way, but if I new positively which way to go, I may try an impact wrench.

Kevin</TD></TR></TABLE>

That sucks. The same thing happened to me.

I broke two ratchets and a breaker bar trying to get it off. I used an impact on the highest setting and it wouldn't budge. I ended up having to use a 10" long breaker bar and had a friend help.

Turns out the guy who had replaced the timing belt last (the engine was used), had smeared locktite all over the threads. I mean, there was a TON of that **** up in there.

It was supposed to take 20 seconds to get that thing off, ended up taking me all damn day.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by EJ1 wilcox &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

That sucks. The same thing happened to me.

I broke two ratchets and a breaker bar trying to get it off. I used an impact on the highest setting and it wouldn't budge. I ended up having to use a 10" long breaker bar and had a friend help.

Turns out the guy who had replaced the timing belt last (the engine was used), had smeared locktite all over the threads. I mean, there was a TON of that **** up in there.

It was supposed to take 20 seconds to get that thing off, ended up taking me all damn day. </TD></TR></TABLE>

I hear ya. LocTite is the devil. Hell, I smear that damn bolt with anti-seize before it goes back in!

 

I hate to be a dick but if you are not sure which direction the first bolt that you need to remove turns. . . then I question your ability to complete the timing belt job. . .

Seriously though. . . . the bolt can be rough i have done lots and lots of them and have never had trouble using my foot on a long ratchet 1/2 inch drive. . . and holding onto the car and pushing my body into it. . .
breaks them loose every time. .

 

If you can find something to make the crankshaft from turning, a screwdriver wont work there is a tool that i used that goes right into the spark plug hole that blocks the piston from turning, the tip is made of brass so it wont harm anything.
once i used that and a braker bar it busted loose in ten seconds after a good kick.
or go to sears buy an impact gun use it and return it

 

Someone needs to make a sticky on this there is a specific honda crank holder.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obi...lance
use the right tools and do it right!

 

http://www.thepartsbin.com/car....html

this one works better i payed 15 dollars and is authorized by dealerships, i work at one.