Crankshaft pulley nut rope trick

[SWhiteley]

It works!

Needing to replace the timing belt, I was faced with the dreaded crankshaft pulley nut removal. These are the things I tried which didn't work (the nut was soaked with pb blaster prior to working it):

Impact wrench on a 120psi compressor;
Blocking rear wheels, in gear;
Blipping the starter (was last resort);

The next options were heating the nut and/or a chain wrench on the pulley. I was all set to go out and get a blow torch of some kind, and a chain wrench, when I heard about the 'rope trick' on the forum here.

(Unfortunately, I don't have any metal fabricating tools so couldn't replicate any other tools to block the flywheel or a tool to lock the crankshaft pulley).

So, I put around 6-8 ft of rope in cylinder 1 while it was at bottom of its travel, through an 8" length of 1/2" PVC pipe. Then, gradually turned the engine and felt the resistance as the rope compressed, then solid resistance. With surprisingly little torque, the nut came free.

I must admit, I was dubious, and quite surprised how easy it came free.

(As a side note, draining the radiator and block: coolant goes everywhere! It's like it's under pressure or something! If anyone is doing this job, make sure that you are prepared for a gusher).