LUVTruck.com

Hey all,
I have a 79 LUV with a stock engine and my timing chain broke and I am in the midst of replacing it (and the gears/sprockets and tensioner). I am trying to do this with the engine still in the truck. I took out the radiator and have a lot more room to get the front cover of the engine off. I just can't get the crankshaft bolt off. When I turn the socket wrench (with two foot cheater bar), the whole pulley/gear aparatus turns (though it gets harder to turn as I turn it). I have the truck blocked and the emergency brake on and have tried having the truck in reverse and in second gear, but I just can't get the durn thing to break loose. Any ideas? I have an impact socket driver but there is not enough clearance to swing the hammer very far.

Thanks!

PS can I get the front cover off without removing the head (I just changed the head gasket a month ago!)

The trick I've used is to put the socket on a breaker bar, turn the motor over by hand so that the bar is wedged against the frame, then just bump the starter a bit. I've yet to have one stay stuck after that. Just make sure you get that socket on tight (using a 6 point socket helps too) and the bar against something solid. A block of wood in there would help protect things.

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95 Isuzu Trooper Daily Driver
86 Isuzu Trooper reliable backup
77 LUV 2wd stock beltway blaster (resting)
79 4x4 LUV project: 2.6L, 5spd, 31s (eventually)

MEPR: Man, my 4x4 makes all other LUVs look good

Hey 800XL!
Thanks dude! That totally worked! I had been fighting that bolt for like 3 hours! whew! time for a beer.

That is a good trick. We used it all of the time at the dealer.

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Certified pilots, looking down on people since 1903.

The 2.3L motor I just put in my Trooper did resist a little bit, until I hooked up an Optima red top battery.

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95 Isuzu Trooper Daily Driver
86 Isuzu Trooper reliable backup
77 LUV 2wd stock beltway blaster (resting)
79 4x4 LUV project: 2.6L, 5spd, 31s (eventually)

MEPR: Man, my 4x4 makes all other LUVs look good