madmax98

I just finished swapping a JDM engine 3vz-fe into a 92 es300. I went to use the starter method to unbolt the crank bolt and the starter wouldn't roll the engine. I installed a new one and the engine wouldn't turn, i hear the starter cranking however. the starter makes noise like a small engine cranking. I can turn the engine easily but the starter can't!! I checked wires, cables, battery and everything seems fine. My guess is the flywheel/ starter junction but everything looks fine. What could it be guys, i'm out of ideas. Is there a specific way to hook up the flywheel to the torque converter!!

llcoolpass

y r u swapping? i had no idea you were in the middle of this.

why are you you taking off the crank pulley as part of an engine Removal and Replacement?

i need to understand what's going on so that i can help you better [assuming i can help you]

Nad1370

Did you swap the original flywheel back to the new motor?
If not, the flywheel might be too small in diameter and the starter is not making contact.

madmax98

I'm done with the swap and moving on to change the timing belt.

madmax98

I thought the JDM and us flywheels are the same ( God i hope so)

llcoolpass

did you check for proper voltage to the starter?

madmax98

unfortunately i only checked for proper ground. Will check the voltage after i get off work..

madmax98

Okay, so i checked the voltage on the the 2 positive terminals on the starter and they were somewhere around 13 V. Needless to say i let out a loud WTF. I got a helper to crank the engine while i watch the crank pulley and the flywheel and BAM, they rotate!!!!! so i guess the problem wasn't what i thought it was. Now, why is my starter not capable of loosening the crank bolt when i jam the torque bar to the axle, i thought starters have plenty of torque for that job. any suggestions as to how to loosen that bolt or why the starter is incapable of doing that?

Nad1370

You just might have a stubborn crank bolt.
If you have access to an air compressor. Just rent a 3/4 inch impact and that should take it out.

But yeah the starter/breaker bar trick shoud've worked.

madmax98

No access to air tools here

madmax98

Any suggestion of ways that some tried and worked, besides impact tools?

paultfh

Try a cheater bar

Nad1370

Chain wrench to hold the pulley and a breaker bar to take the bolt out.

jet_jockey

question: Did you put the bolts back in the torque converter?

it doesn't sound like you did, and the flexplate is spinning freely since its not attached to the torque converter. Theres 4 bolts or so that need to go in via the access panel on the transmission right where the flexplate is at.

madmax98

yes i did, you're talking about the six bolts that attach the flywheel to the converter. the crank is spinning too. now it's a matter of getting the crank bolt off after the starter couldn't