zehnd

It's better to ask stupid questions than to answer to stupid mistakes.

The balance shaft sprocket cover is preventing me from using the Pin Wrench, any suggestions or what am I missing here?

As always, thanks.

Charlie

The pin wrench should easily fit into the holes that are open on the sprocket. There are a couple of holes in the sprocket plate (cover) that are not open and the wrench will not go into.

83na944

Are you saying that the pins on you tool won't fit into the holes on the sprocket? Is the cover you talking about the thin metal piece that holds the belt on or the thick metal washer just behind the bolt?

The tool I have has two pins on a large round part that has a hole in the center. The wrench fits over the bolt and the pins slip into the holes on the cover.

83na944

Good point, Charlie. I forgot about those blind holes.

zehnd

Is it possible that the PO put them on the wrong way, cause there is no hope in heck that that wrench is sliding into any of those holes.

This is Bruce's wrench BTW.

83na944

Bruce's wrench looks like the one I bought from Performance Products except there's no palstic on the handle.

Are the pins too large to fit the hole?

zehnd

Okay I snapped some pics. Looks like the covers were put on misaligned.
Upper

Lower


Looks like I'll try using 90 degree pliers.

pete944

If you're changing the belt and not planning on reusing that one, I have a method of removing the bolts on the cover plates.
Set the engine to TDC.
Lock the flywheel.
Tighten the tension on the balance belt as much as you can. Yes, I said tighten it.
Now use a 17mm box wrench and the bolts should break loose without the sprocket turning. The belt will hold it still.
Since you just stretched the living bejesus out of that belt, toss it and put a new one on.

Charlie

The cover must be installed wrong if 2 of the holes don't line up properly or the key on the cover is bent or broken.
Try putting something like a small allen wrench into the holes to see if they are open.

zehnd

Thanks people, we may be doing them on the weekend. Stand by.

83na944

Obviously whoever did that has no clue about the belts.

Those "covers" have tabs that fit in keyways on the sprockets. The upper is almost right, but the lower is way off, like a wuarter of a turn. You're actually supposed to see a letter stamped on the sprocket through one of the larger holes on the upper sprocket. And I don't see the square holes on either cover. Makes me wonder if the sprockets are on backwards.

Anyway, another trick you might try to remove them is to use two screwdrivers or punchs in the holes and some sort of bar between them to immobilze the sprocket. You might need 3, 4, or five hands for that.

Bruce's pin wrench will work great when you reinstall. It'll also keep you from doing it like that.

Good Luck.