Crankshaft sprocket bits

[hcca]

My timing belt is getting eaten by the flange separator between the balance and timing belt sprockets (on the crankshaft). Something hasn't been installed right, but i'm not sure what. Does anyone have an engine out of the car that they could take a photo of the parts on the crankshaft (inside timing case and pulleys on front)? Or be willing to sell me those parts? I have a collection of spare sprockets, but I don't know if any of them are correct.

Also, what's the easiest way to undo the crankshaft bolt?

[Alspos]

Also, what's the easiest way to undo the crankshaft bolt?

Put a socket on it, put it in gear and off you go. Or you can put a spanner on it and accidently turn the motor over and investigate what the thump sound was then do the bolt back up

[Starion VR4]

yep can help you, have am engine apart ( reassembling mine ) that you can have a look at. or i could get some pics for you, but am in Brisbane as i may be easier if you have a look at mine. :beer

[hcca]

Al, I tried to do it that way, felt like the timing belt was going to snap, or at least jump back a cog or two.. I suspect it will be easier if I take the belt off first.

Starion VR4, that sounds great.. i'll send you a pm.

[Alspos]

When you're in gear and have the plugs in, you are turning against the compression of the engine and the pressure of the clutch and driveline. The timing belt shouldn'y be any more stressed than when the car is running and turning the cam. It will get tight, because the cam is not easy to turn on it's own.

[hcca]

I didn't want to push it as I really wasn't interested in taking it all apart that day if I did something irreversible such as jumping the timing belt :)