Crankshaft Damper Removal/Installation

[Franko]

Hello Dr. Lee,

How can I keep the 6.2L engine from turning while removing/installing the damper bolt? Can I simply remove the crankshaft pulley bolts, remove the pulley, screw the bolts back into the damper and use a steel rod (braced against the truck's frame) between the bolts to hold the crankshaft from turning? Thank you in advance.

Franko from Yonkers

[britannic]

Drop the dustcover from the bell housing and wedge the flywheel with something through one of holes or a c-clamp against the block.

[Bobbie Martin]

An old main (or rod) bearing shell works great to hold the flywheel. Just wedge the end of the bearing in the teeth of the flywheel and let it rest against the block. The soft bearing won't hurt the teeth, but it's strong enough to hold the flywheel. I've used them on several engines, including my 6.5. BTW, you probably don't have one laying around, but a Mini release bearing makes a perfect pulley installer tool.