THSCC Forums

I'm down to just a few things in order to start this car after having the engine rebuilt. I've got a leaking axle seal, a coolant leak, and I've got to tighten the crankshaft bolt (119 lbs). I can handle the axle seal and think I know where the coolant leak is coming from... but I'm at my wits end at tightening the crankshaft bolt.

The FSM says to put the car in gear, put the emergancy brake on, and have someone on the brakes. I've done all that but the cranshaft bolt just turns with less than 40 lbs of torque.

I've got all tires on the ground except the front drivers side, which is where the bolt is. I changed the timing belt on the 87 crx without issue, and the cars are very similar.

Phil

Phil,

Just brainstorming:

Are you positive that the clutch is engaging and holding, the transmission is in gear, and both front brakes are holding? I assume the parking brake is on the rear wheels . . . if so, it won't help other than maybe keep the car from rolling during the process.

Is the axle with the leaking seal actually fully installed? You need both axles solidly held by the brakes to "lock up" the differential and therefore keep the engine from turning . . .

Are you also sure that the bolt is actually engaging good threads and that the pulley is fully seated (i.e. that you aren't still pulling the pulley onto the crankshaft)? I "assume" that any crankshaft key has been properly installed (shouldn't make a difference during the torquing step . . . but sure would later )

_________________
Dick Rasmussen

FS 50 2018 Mustang GT

Good ideas Dick, thanks.

I'm not positive about the clutch, I haven't adjusted it since adjustment requires two folks. I'll correct the axle situation first thing tomorrow moring since that will cross one of my tasks off the list and maybe solve the problem. I'm sure about the bolt, I hand threaded it in, then I used the lowest setting on the torque gun, which put it just under 40 lbs.

Either way, you've offered two good things to check, the axle and the clutch and either could be the problem.

Thanks for your time and thanks for the ideas. I'll report back if it's not the axle and might be asking for guidence on clutch adjustment.

p

Issues that I can think of:

- there is a problem with the clutch
- the axles aren't seated properly
- you don't have enough brake pressure
- the car isn't in gear (you've said it was)

If you're just trying how to figure out how to tighten the bolt .... If it were my car, I would just hit it with the impact wrench at "3" a few times and call it a day. Probably will torque it to about 100-150 ft-lb, which is good enough for me

Shouldn't matter if the clutch is slipping. Impact will git 'er done.

_________________
Mike Whitney
whit32@gmail.com, 919-454-5445
V10, V8, V8t, I6, I6, V6, F4t, I4, I4, I4, I4, I2, 1, 1

Phil, I've had similar issues with my '91. I ended up removing the sheet metal cover hiding the lower part of the flywheel, and wedging stuff between the flywheel teeth and a sturdy part of the block to keep it from turning. The trick here is finding the right size parts in the garage to wedge in there that will actually hold. You'll likely need to hand torque if you go this route.

Good luck!

_________________
Dustin Fredrickson
-- I'm a nobody --

Dick was right, one of the axles weren't in there all the way. I'm waiting on my coolant tools to arrive so I can spot my leak. With the axle out, I can see a bit more of the suspected area.

I'll report back after fixing the coolant leak and reinstalling the axle how things go. Thanks guys!

p

Found the coolant leak when I was preparing to remove the intake so I could get to the problem area. When I had everything removed, I noticed one of my heater hoses. It looked like this...



The red circle shows the end of the hose with the coolant nipple still attached! I assume it was pressed in, but Honda says they don't sell them seperately. I'll either pick up an intake or maybe even see if I can find something to thread in there.

I'm up for any suggestions. This $200 car is really starting to piss me off!

phil

If you cannot thread a pipe nipple on it try cleaning up the old parts and use JB Weld on it.

_________________
George Bright Member # 141
One of the youngest of the old farts.
Yes I voted against you joining the club.

I imagine you're now in the market for an intake manifold. A D16 manifold should be pretty easy to find - in fact, several weeks ago there was a red Si at Nine's whose motor was, at the time, intact.

Looks like a pretty hateful job Phil. This kind of thing is why I'm kind of glad I sold mine.