Contrary from what I've been told, just wanted to let everyone know that you can remove the crank pulley bolt with an impact wrench without lowering the engine.

Just make sure you have a powerful enough imact wrench like the Ingersol-Rand 2131.

 

How did you manage this? There is a great big square tube directly in front of the pulley. I own a IR2131 and a IR231 neither one of these wrenches will fit in this location. Did you do it or someone else? Sorry, I have pulled the crank pulley before, so I am pretty skeptical.

 

I'd like to know what kind of impact wrench will fit in there, too.

 

This is the wrench he mentioned: http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/ir2131.html

I have only ever used a breaker bar.....and I have always hurt myself when the bolt broke loose

-YS

 

I still don't see how that gun can fit down there. the tool itself doesn't even have much room down there. not doubting you, I just can't see it happening.

 

I will post pics (if I can) when I get a chance. The crank pulley bolt actaully sits about an 1" lower than the cross member and I was able to use an extension to go under the cross member. The IR I mentioned is also pretty small and compact and powerful. I searched for months (about 5 years ago)for an impact wrench powerful enough to remove a crank pulley bolt from a CRX. SHops with 3/4" drive guns could not remove it. This IR was the only thing that took it off and it took it right off with no problems. I hear they have a 1000lb/ft wrench now!!! Anyhow, I will post pics when I get a chance.

 

I think this just explained it.

 

its possible if u have an extension

 

I wouldn't count on a IR 2131 always being able to break the crank bolt loose. I have used an IR 2131 for 5 years there are many crank bolts mine has not been able to break loose. Using an extension always reduces the outut torque of a impact wrench. If you use the pulley holding tool you will be able to remove the crank bolt no matter what.

 

wouldn't using an impact wrench just spin the crank really fast? don't you still have to hold the pulley with the pulley tool? if so, how would you hold on to it? wouldn't the impact gun spin the crank pulley tool out of your hand cause it would spin it so fast?