WadeLovell

iTrader: (5)

What is the best way to remove the lower timing belt gear from the front of the crankshaft so I can replace the front crankcase seal? Yes, I am replacing hoses, water pump, timing belt, etc. while I am in here. No, I wasn't planning on doing the cam shaft seals today.

Thanks in advance,
Wade

good2go

iTrader: (6)

Welcome to Club Lexus.

Usually, a tool such as this is used: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947626000P

You can "borrow" them for free by making a full purchase price, refundable deposit at any AutoZone (and maybe other chains). I suggest you read up here a bit. there are numerous threads regarding the ominous crank bolt which immediately precedes the pulley removal. Good luck.

WadeLovell

iTrader: (5)

Thank you Good2Go! I own that tool and a couple of variations on it. Do you happen to know what bolts I need to pull the crankshaft gear? Other than the ~300 ft/lb of torque on the crankshaft nut that I will now have to reapply, I did not have any problem removing the harmonic balancer and outer pulley. The holes for the bolts on the lower timing belt gear look like they are a small diameter, 6mm or 6.5mm x 1mm thread. Do you happen to know? They do not match anything I have on hand.

Kind regards,
Wade

6SOARER

iTrader: (20)

I beleive there 10mm bolts, just get long ones. Test fit one of the bolts from the timing belt cover, it should fit and give you an idea with thread size.

good2go

iTrader: (6)

Sorry, I don't know the sizing. I think mine actually actually slid off without a puller.

When you get to it, one trick for re-installing the harmonic pulley is to pop it into the oven at 175* for a half hour or so. Grab it with the oven mits and it slides right on with a distinct "clunk" sound when it bottoms. Also, I think the correct torque spec on the crank bolt is only 240 ft.lbs., not 300.

Also, why aren't you doing the cam seals too? Originally, I didn't do mine either when I did all the other stuff, but then had to go back to do it over about a year later when they started leaking. Cheap insurance.

WadeLovell

iTrader: (5)

The threads on the 1993 SC300 crankshaft sprocket are 6mm x 1mm. The longest 6mm x 1mm bolts I could find in my local market were 50mm long. They worked fine although I had to reverse the puller to finish the job. Replacing the seal was simple. Now, to put everything back together and see if I actually fixed the leak or just chased it to another location. I decided to replace the comparatively new pollution control valve just in case a clogged PCV was causing overpressurization.

Thanks for your help!

WadeLovell

iTrader: (5)

Good2go: You talked me into the cam seals. I really don't want to revisit this!