Getting the big old bolt loose...

[dromano]

Originally Posted by svxfiles

The crankshaft bolt is a big bolt, 14mm X 1.5
Thats bigger than the wheel studs at 12mm X 1.25
The torque specs for the crankshaft bolt are 108-123 ft/lbs.
Most 1/2" drive torque wrenches are about 16" long from the center of the drive to where the outer end of the handle is.
If the average mechanics hand is 4" wide, you would figure the center of pull at 14"s.
To keep the math simple, lets use 15" as the pull point.
So to pull 120 ft/lb of torque you only have to pull 105#s.
Lets say the mechanic is distracted after finding out his cheating wife just spent $3000.00 on lingerie that hes never seen.
Without thinking he pulls 210#s of torque.
The crankshaft bolt is now streached and improperly torqued to double what it should be, 240ft/lbs.
The bolt does not break, but he dented the fender that he was leaning on.
OK, OK, I kid.
If he pulled more than 150 ft/lbs he SHOULD know it.
ESPECIALLY with a torque wrench!
So my best guess is that it might be torqued to 150-160 ft/lbs.
At which point red thread locker is not even an issue.



SO, if you use a torque wrench set to 150-160 ft/lb you should feel safe in removing it while holding the torque converter still with the afore mentioned pry bar.

Good news is always good to read. Thanks a million. I won't be
removing the crank bolt till all the seals arrive. Valve covers are next. I have a dirt road 200-300 ft from the pavement, yesterday I pulled the under cover, had about 1/2 inch of sand/oil mixture, luckily it came off with water. The bottom of the engine/tranny/exhaust behind the headers all are covered with oil & sand: lots of cleaning to do under there. It looks like the right valve cover is the main source of oil, the left side of the timing cover is very wet, so much fun, I just love being a SVX owner.: