Found this while browsing around:



"Need to install flywheel lock by removing a starter?
TOO MUCH WORK!
Do not bother. Just use this gadget to stop the piston. Install your positive stop device into the spark plug hole and extend the bolt. It will stop piston from moving.
WARNING do not use the starter motor or you will put a hole through the piston. Can only be combined with a tool above. Not sold separately."

Looks one after you set piston #1 to TDC, you install this on piston #2 or #3 if you want to loosen (turning anti-clockwise) the crankshaft bolt. Then put it on piston #1 or #4 when tightening (clock wise)???

 

It will only prevent flywheel movement in one direction. It looks like it will still allow the flywheel to move from TDC. I would still use the flywheel lock to prevent it from moving in either direction. Not to mention the possible damage to the pistion.

 

If you use two of them, you should be able to prevent movements in either direction right?

Anyways, I'd still rather use a flywheel lock rather than mess with something that's not "tried and true".

 

I used to use a screwdriver to lock the flywheel on my Saab 9000 in high school...until it bent, snapped, and fell within the bell housing while removing the harmonic balancer. Never gave me any problems, luckily.

 

Not really. Once you get it to TDC and install this. It could still be moved counter clockwise. Installing a second will not prevent this possibility.

 

No thanks;

The flywheel lock is foolproof, rock solid. Don't like stressing spark plug threads in an aluminum head, nor an aluminum piston.

Nope. I'll stick with the flywheel lock. Happiness is never having to worry!

 

That looks more like a VW or BMW flywheel lock. The 944/968 ones bolt onto the starter holes and grip to the gear teeth of the flywheel. This looks to insert into a hole.

If you really need to lock your flywheel in a pinch, use a 12mm bolt and nut with a 5mm allen key jammed between the flywheel teeth. Lock that thing in place with the bolt and nut in a starter hole. Ghetto, but effective.

 

You've got to be kidding!

The only thing I'd stick in a spark plug hole other than a sparkplug or compression tester is a wooden dowel, I have used the dowel method to locate TDC in the past, but I'd never let anything metal come in contact with my pistons!

jason

 

How do you lock the flywheel if you do not have the rear bellhousing with the starter mount on anymore? I have just the flywheel showing (clutch and all is removed) engine is on a stand.

What do i do?

 

There is another flywheel lock for engines out of the car

Tool 9130

 

Seems like a lot of extra aggravation to use this tool. I just did a TB on my car - first time. The car is already up on the jackstands, whhy not just unbolt the starter and use the proper tool?

 

Hey;

I made a lock out of a flat piece of plate steel. It bolts under two flywheel bolts and rests on the oil pan gasket surface on either side of the block. Works like a charm. It would not be hard at all to make a crude one for a one-off job. My relatively nice one only took about 15 minutes. I even painted it!

 

any pics, or a quick sketch redline? I honestly don't even really know how the flywheel lock works. I'm good with fabbing up my own stuff, that would be easy. thanks.

 

Man i dunno, I dont think id use that.

I may not be smarter than the average bear, but im certainly lazier than the average bear, and I would personally just take the starter out and use a flywheel lock.

 

Opps. Did not read the caption in the picture. Hell no, you do not want to stick metal things in your sparkplug hole other than wooden dowels or sparkplugs. The potential damage to your pistons is not worth the supposed convenience. Besides, just because a cylinder is at the top position does not mean it is at TDC. The valves must also be in the correct position. Use the flywheel and crankshaft to align the marks. Lock the engine at the flywheel.