Starter to remove Honda crankshaft bolt

[Trav]

On the J35 this is the breaker bar blocked by the suspension and hitting the starter is the quickest and easiest way if you don't have a powerful impact the W7150 isn't doing it. It works slick every time.

No torch, chisels and hammers.

 

[ctechbob]

I would muuuuch rather do the starter bump than torch that bolt. Too much sitting behind it to get it hot enough to make any difference.

The starter bump works best if the breaker bar is able to travel a few inches before being stopped by the floor. Its that little extra kick those stupid tight things need.

 

[goodtimes]

I had access to a machine shop and made the large hex pulley adapter with a bar on it to contact something solid. I used a long piece of pipe on a breaker bar and it broke loose with a very loud snap. I see the hex adapters are for sale now, worth it. I don't know about a starter it would stress the gears too much for comfort. Heating the bolt requires a new bolt afterwards IMO. I never wish to do that TB again, was on daughter's Honda at the time.

 

[ctechbob]

FWIW, even if you have the tool, you need an additional person there to hold it. I have the tool and it slipped off while trying to remove the bolt and it shattered the hex area out of the damper.

If I had the time, I'd create one and weld it to a jack stand or something to keep it in there while you wail on the bolt.

 

[artbuc]

This topic has been discussed exhaustively on Honda/Acura and Garage Journal forums plus several great DIY videos, best of which made by South Main auto. The Lisle heavy mass socket has a 100% success rate. I used mine with an Aircat 1150 and very modest air compressor. With my Aircat/compressor, a regular impact socket would not budge it. The Lisle zipped it off like it was handtight.

 

[CharBaby]

Yes, as NoNameJoe has posted, there is an extra thick walled impact socket that aids in the removal of the crankshaft bolt on Honda's. This thick walled socket allows more of the torque to be applied to the bolt during removal and from what I have seen, really works quite well.

Here is another video of a Honda V6(J35) timing belt removal/installation and the new socket. See the socket starting at 5:58 but, watch the whole video as there is a ton of information about this particular engine, the parts to replace and the brand of parts that most folks prefer to use.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZT-ZMNhOT-M

 

[Dave Sherman]

I've always worried that the starter method could break off flywheel teeth or damage the starter, but I guess it can be done. As another poster pointed out, be careful if your late model J35 has the starter keep cranking once you bump the key, as mine does. Watching Youtube videos of the TB replacement, I'm thinking $800 to have the experienced dealer technicians who can probably do it blindfolded doesn't sound so bad.

 

[mk378]

Do not just get in the car and turn the key. At the least you need to disable the ignition system to be sure it cannot possibly start. If it's pushbutton start, keep the key away from the car so the system is off, then jump the starter directly.

All this of course after you verify the engine turns clockwise.

 

[exranger06]

Why not use this as an excuse to buy an impact gun? If you're doing your own timing belt, you probably do a lot of other stuff yourself, like brake jobs. You'll use the impact gun for tons of jobs and it'll make your life much easier.

 

[sasilverbullet]

Arggh! Everytime I see a video of someone working on a car without jack stands...

Idiots!!! Well, soon to be dead idiots...

 

[mattd]

http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemDispla...ASABEgIm6fD_BwE

This socket will removal the bolt with just about any impact gun

 

[willbur]

.Greetings- Thanks to All for your suggestions and comments-

I think I will try the starter trick, but I have never met a bolt I could not remove just using a HF 24 in. breaker bar (even hub bolts spec'd to 330 ft/lbs- which takes about 400 to break loose) and LOTS of cursing. Getting an impact is one extra tool to store and I got this far without one. Maybe get one when I reach 80.

 

[Hall]

Originally Posted By: Dave Sherman
I'm thinking $800 to have the experienced dealer technicians who can probably do it blindfolded doesn't sound so bad.


I think the cost will be higher than that if done at a dealer. They're still going to charge you the full "book time" even if their experience allows them to do the job quicker. An independent shop will probably be in that range though and Honda timing belt replacement jobs are common enough that you won't have any trouble finding experienced techs for that job.

 

[Hall]

Originally Posted By: willbur
...but I have never met a bolt I could not remove just using a HF 24 in. breaker bar (even hub bolts spec'd to 330 ft/lbs- which takes about 400 to break loose) and LOTS of cursing.

Have you "met" a Honda crank bolt yet ?

I'll bet your HF 24" breaker bar will meet its match !

 

[Dave Sherman]

Originally Posted By: hallstevenson
Originally Posted By: Dave Sherman
I'm thinking $800 to have the experienced dealer technicians who can probably do it blindfolded doesn't sound so bad.


I think the cost will be higher than that if done at a dealer. They're still going to charge you the full "book time" even if their experience allows them to do the job quicker. An independent shop will probably be in that range though and Honda timing belt replacement jobs are common enough that you won't have any trouble finding experienced techs for that job.


Maybe, but that was the figure the dealer gave me when I asked how much a timing belt job was. I'm sure that's the pre-upsell figure

. Although I did not ask if that includes a new water pump and serpentine belt; that could be the gotcha...

 

[artbuc]

Originally Posted By: Dave Sherman
Originally Posted By: hallstevenson
Originally Posted By: Dave Sherman
I'm thinking $800 to have the experienced dealer technicians who can probably do it blindfolded doesn't sound so bad.


I think the cost will be higher than that if done at a dealer. They're still going to charge you the full "book time" even if their experience allows them to do the job quicker. An independent shop will probably be in that range though and Honda timing belt replacement jobs are common enough that you won't have any trouble finding experienced techs for that job.


Maybe, but that was the figure the dealer gave me when I asked how much a timing belt job was. I'm sure that's the pre-upsell figure

. Although I did not ask if that includes a new water pump and serpentine belt; that could be the gotcha...


Betcha quote covers belt and tensioner only.