Timing Belt and the Bolt...

[Orin Eman]

> What is the conventional wisdom of using an impact driver to get that nut
> off?

Probably won't work.

> I got to talking with my father today about the torque involved in removing
> the nut, and he figured it would be easy to do with an impact driver.  I
> pointed out that my 1/2" pneumatic impact driver wouldn't touch it as it
> didn't generate enough impact to loosen the nut; not enough torque.  Dad
> pointed out his impact driver is bigger than my impact driver :-), and he
> was pretty sure 350 or so ft-lbs was not an issue.

It takes well over 600 ft-lbs to break loose.  Ie. me on the end
of a 5 ft pipe and it still comes loose _VERY SLOWLY_...  better
make that the best part of 800 ft-lbs.

I recommend going to the hardware store, buying 4 to 5 ft of 1"
pipe, and sliding it over a Craftsman or Husky breaker bar.

> So, assuming the impact driver will work, is there any reason not to use it
> on the crankshaft nut?

They may be a chance of damaging the key on the timing belt cog...
the reaction to torque you put on the bolt goes throught this key
once the bolt starts to break loose - if you are using the 2084 tool
at least.

Orin.