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I had planned this past weekend to do the full 105k service on my '07 TL, but I only got as far as the crank pulley. Couldn't get the bolt off. I had a compressor with 125psi/air impact wrenches, PB blaster, big long breaker bars, etc. I even blow torched the bolt for a while (in hindsight I'm hoping I didn't damage the oil seal behind there)! I was also ready to do all the oil system gaskets and reseal the pump and pan.
While I'm bummed I didn't get a chance to do what I started out to do, I did inspect the timing belt and it is in great shape, practically brand new (this is a car I just purchased that had no record of the 105k service being done, now currently at 137k miles). So it's more than clear that the timing was done, just not reported.
My crankshaft pulley. Perhaps it was just over-torqued the last time (181lbf OEM spec)? Or I didn't have strong enough PSI (my compressor will go to 130psi max)? Now I'm thinking that the next time the timing belt needs to be done, I'll have to just take it to a shop.
You need really powerful impact gun to get it loose. And I mean really powerful.
In the shop, we have tool to hold the crank in place, and we use long breaker bar to get that bolt loose. Some DIY guys use breaker bar and starter motor.
I've done it on three different J's. I found (eventually....) that the starter motor trick with a longer ratchet or breaker bar. Wedge the ratchet or bar against the chassis/ground/etc. then start the engine. Turn it off immediately afterward of course.
On my '09 Pilot, it took about 5 tries because even the starter motor didn't have enough torque. But after a few times it broke it loose.
Milwaukee 2767-20 plus the 19mm harmonic balancer socket by Lisle. Zips it off in 1 second. 125psi of air doesn't do anything at all with a regular 19mm thin walled socket. In fact, air tools aren't even needed more these days with a powerful electric impact. The heavy mass socket is the key. Maybe just $25 from Amazon now.
@ assuming the timing service was done because the belt looks new. because it's behind the cover it looks new
until it fails. that's some wishful ass thinking!
The fact that the bolt is pretty frozen on tells me it probably hasn't been off in the last 30K.
I've done ~30 timing belts/water pumps in the last 4 decades (my cars, family cars, and friends cars). Vast majority Honda/Acura, the J-motors are the hardest. I use a 6' breaker bar and literally stand on the end.
Also rest the 1/2" socket extension on a jack stand since it sticks out so far from the side of the car. It's a betch to say the least, and totally agree it's the worst part of the job.
I've done ~30 timing belts/water pumps in the last 4 decades (my cars, family cars, and friends cars). Vast majority Honda/Acura, the J-motors are the hardest. I use a 6' breaker bar and literally stand on the end.
Also rest the 1/2" socket extension on a jack stand since it sticks out so far from the side of the car. It's a betch to say the least, and totally agree it's the worst part of the job.
Just curious, are you averse to trying the starter method for any reason? I only ask because some people here are like 'h3ll no!' and others are like 'maybe next time' after the crank bolt kicks their rear, lol.
I'm not oppose to the starter bump method. But I've heard people opposing the use of a high power impact gun saying that it shocks the crank shaft. I said, well, do you see a bunch of guys sitting on 6' poles trying to loosen crank pulley bolts at Honda and Acura? I haven't!
10-14-2019, 12:08 PM
