You don't need a breaker bar or pulley holder when using an impact wrench on the crank bolt. There are special sockets for impact wrenches because the force of the impact tends to break regular sockets. You need a jack to support the engine while the top motor mount is off.

 

Hey, I'm gonna shoot for doing the timing belt and seals this weekend. I have most of the stuff I need, I think. But do I need a Honda pulley bolt removal tool? It's a must-have, right?

 

Just making sure, I need this item right? Amazon.com: Honda/Acura Crank Pulley Removal Tool 50mm: Automotive

 

Not necessarily required if you have an impact wrench.

When I was swapping engines and such, we just hit it with the air tools and it broke loose fast.

 

I don't really even understand what that tool is supposed to do... does it keep the crank from moving or something? And an impact wrench, I'm guessing, is supposed to be fast enough and powerful enough to pop the bolt without need for that tool?

 

It keeps the crankshaft from turning and prevents the torque from crushing engine supports. Often times, bolt is too tight for the average impact wrench.
So you need a lot of torque and something to prevent the crankshaft from turning.

 

So then, I guess that brings up another question. I am fearing the idea of taking this apart only to realize I can't pop the bolt. Should I get the crank pulley removal tool, and is there any way I can verify the strength of the impact wrench, or would it just be a safe bet to get the breaker bar setup?

 

There's not that much to take apart before you have to remove the crank bolt. The battery operated dewalt impact I used in those photos to remove the axle nuts probably wouldn't remove the crank nut. Not sure because I havent tried it yet.... but you'd probably have to go with air tools, which then you're talking a lot more money....so you really are stuck with using the breaker bar setup, and if you get stuck you may have to go to a shop so they can use their impact to loosen nut for you.

BTW, most people will also have trouble with the tensioning procedure of the t-belt. Are you sure you're good to go with that? You can destroy the engine if you dont do this job correctly....

 

Hehe, unfortunately, I'm not sure of anything. I have like two DIYs bookmarked for my D16Y7 but if you know of any awesome ones, I'd be much obliged. I ordered all of the parts, but maybe I should just take it to a shop to have them install it. I don't want to screw anything up. Don't I just crank it to top dead center, pull the old belt off and put the new belt on?

 

You dont necessarily need to put the marks at TDC. Remove belt and install new one. But to be sure since its your first timing belt job, Have it alligned to TDC. Its easier to allign the marks again if you accidentally move the cam or crank. There are no special skills to do a timing belt job. Open it up and you will see its easier than you think.