crank bolt fiasco

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kauboi

crank bolt fiasco

Post by kauboi »

Well, after sitting for years, I finally decided to get my car (84 Pinin) going again. Adjusted valve lash, fixed exhaust leak w new mani gasket, new vac advance on distributor, new 02 sensor, and bought a gasket set and new timing belt, as mine was loose, and front seals seemed to be leaking. So after struggling to get the crank bolt loose, I tried the rope trick, and succeeded in breaking the bolt. D'oh!
So I loosened the motor mounts and lifted the motor, removed the rad, and got a better look into what was left in the hole. The break left an edge that when I pushed on rotated the bolt a bit, so I was encouraged that at least it wasn't seized. Even with the engine lifted, I couldnt get a straight shot with the drill, but got a 5/32 hole deep enough to seat my (only) extractor. So far,so good as I got a few turns before it stopped and got tight..

My plan now is to loosen the drive shaft/ trans mounting to get straight shot, and get a drill guide bushing to center up on the bolt and drill it out.

Anybody done this?
toyfiats
Posts: 313
Joined: Thu Dec 04, 2008 9:24 pm
Your car is a: 1981 Fiat Spider
Location: Concord, CA

Re: crank bolt fiasco

Post by toyfiats »

Note that around 1982/1983 Fiat introduced engines with a BOLT rather than nut holding the crank pulley on. However, the bolts are (LH) REVERSE threaded, so you need to go clockwise to loosen and counter-clockwise to tighten. That might explain why yours broke off, and why you're continuing to have difficulty.
vandor
Posts: 3996
Joined: Sat May 23, 2009 1:23 pm
Your car is a: 1971 124 Spider
Location: Texas, USA

Re: crank bolt fiasco

Post by vandor »

And new bolts are available from the Fiat pars vendors.
Csaba
'71 124 Spider, much modified
'17 124 Abarth, silver
http://italiancarclub.com/csaba/
Co-owner of the best dang Fiat parts place in town
aaalbedo
Posts: 45
Joined: Mon Jun 21, 2010 7:37 pm
Your car is a: 1984 Pininfarina
Location: Gunbarrel, Colorado

Re: crank bolt fiasco

Post by aaalbedo »

First I've heard of a crank BOLT, and very surprised I haven't had the same experience. Both my '83 (sold last year) and my '84 (pulled the transmission 20 minutes ago) have nuts though. Does this imply engine swaps in both of mine? I would not be at all surprised with the current car.

Larry
1984 pininfarina, Honda S2000 seats, daily fair weather driver
2006 BMW 330 CIc, sensible winter convertible
kauboi

Re: crank bolt fiasco

Post by kauboi »

toyfiats wrote:Note that around 1982/1983 Fiat introduced engines with a BOLT rather than nut holding the crank pulley on. However, the bolts are (LH) REVERSE threaded, so you need to go clockwise to loosen and counter-clockwise to tighten. That might explain why yours broke off, and why you're continuing to have difficulty.
Ding Ding Ding!!
didn't look closely at the 1-1 1/2 threads on the bolt piece until just now but they are left hand indeed.
I guess my extraction technique has bottomed out the bolt, hence it not turning anymore. I'll go out later and hopefully get it out.
thanks for the help!
kauboi

Re: crank bolt fiasco

Post by kauboi »

Here's the bolt out..yay

Image

and now the crank timing pulley...how do I remove it?

Image
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SLOSpider
Posts: 1140
Joined: Wed Mar 03, 2010 2:10 am
Your car is a: 1973 124 Spider 2.0FI
Location: Lompoc, Ca USA

Re: crank bolt fiasco

Post by SLOSpider »

Timing pulley is slip on with key on crank. Just slip it off or may need a little prying if rusty.
1975 124 Spider
1976 Mazda Cosmo http://www.mazdacosmo.com
1989 Chevy k5 Blazer
1967 GT Mustang Fastback
User avatar
SLOSpider
Posts: 1140
Joined: Wed Mar 03, 2010 2:10 am
Your car is a: 1973 124 Spider 2.0FI
Location: Lompoc, Ca USA

Re: crank bolt fiasco

Post by SLOSpider »

Also good time for new water pump and tensioner.
1975 124 Spider
1976 Mazda Cosmo http://www.mazdacosmo.com
1989 Chevy k5 Blazer
1967 GT Mustang Fastback
kauboi

Re: crank bolt fiasco

Post by kauboi »

SLOSpider wrote:Timing pulley is slip on with key on crank. Just slip it off or may need a little prying if rusty.
cool, that's what I thought, but after this left handed thread nonsense, I'm a little gun shy..
Also, tensioner and water pump are actually low mileage, even though they are dirty
Thanks for reply!

ps, have you seen the youtube guy "aaroncake"? he doing a crazy cosmo build
vandor
Posts: 3996
Joined: Sat May 23, 2009 1:23 pm
Your car is a: 1971 124 Spider
Location: Texas, USA

Re: crank bolt fiasco

Post by vandor »

Check the crank timing belt pulley for wear, this is a good time to replace if it's worn.
Csaba
'71 124 Spider, much modified
'17 124 Abarth, silver
http://italiancarclub.com/csaba/
Co-owner of the best dang Fiat parts place in town
kauboi

Re: crank bolt fiasco

Post by kauboi »

vandor wrote:Check the crank timing belt pulley for wear, this is a good time to replace if it's worn.
Ok, I'll do that. How/where do they wear?
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