Technical Crankshaft centre bolt: left or right handed?

[msodo]

Hi to everyone, I need to change the crankshaft oil seal (timing belt side) and in order to do that the crankshaft centre bolt has to come off. Car is a Fiat Punto MK1 1.2 16V. Hynes manual don’t specify anything about it. If anyone has any experience with this could you please post it on the forum?
I’m not sure if I have post this in the right forum - moderators please feel free to remove it or delete it if considered necessary.
All the best.

 

[dave]

normal way, but it will be tight

 

[msodo]

Hi Dave. Thank you for your quick reply. Could you please confirm that you are 100% sure about this? If I know correctly (but I might be wrong) Fiat Brava/ Bravo 1.2 16v has the same engine as Punto 1.2 16v and Brava/Bravo Hynes manual says that bolt is left handed. On the other side there is no such information on Punto mk1 Hynes manual. If both cars use the same engine then could it be the crankshaft centre bolt different? I’m really confused about this and the last thing I need right now is a shredded bolt head.
Thank you.

 

[dave]

i was 100% sure till you said that now i am not

 

[fingers99]

As the man says. I've never found a left handed bolt on a FIAT yet, but..................

Whichever way, it will be very, very, tight -- need to lock the flywheel to undo/re-do.

 

[D4nny8oy]

Normal thread (ie, anti-clockwise to undo).

BUT- the crank sprocket and it's locating key are made from cheese and will shear 99% of the time. Be prepared to have to replace the crank sprocket too.

 

[red]

With a right-hand (normal) threaded crank bolt you can use the starter's torque to loosen it if you are brave enough. Needs a suitable socket and sliding tee bar or similar resting against something that won't move, remembering that it is going to try to turn clockwise. A quick flick of the ignition key and hey presto - saves a lot of effort.

You might want to keep kids and pets out of the way....

EDIT: Do something to prevent ignition like diss the HT leads.

red.

 

[dave]

With a right-hand (normal) threaded crank bolt you can use the starter's torque to loosen it if you are brave enough. Needs a suitable socket and sliding tee bar or similar resting against something that won't move, remembering that it is going to try to turn clockwise. A quick flick of the ignition key and hey presto - saves a lot of effort.

You might want to keep kids and pets out of the way....

red.

you risk timing belt slipping then, i wouldn't do that

 

[red]

Technically, it should be alright - you would normally hold the crank still while turning the bolt. This was you hold the bolt while the starter turns the crank. The timing belt and everything attached will go round with the crank - only the nut stands still.

I didn't say I would do it but those bolts can be mighty tight and desperation might set in.

Oh, forgot to say, you have to diss the HT leads or something to avoid starting (that was probably the important bit!)


red

 

[dave]

Technically, it should be alright - you would normally hold the crank still while turning the bolt. This was you hold the bolt while the starter turns the crank. The timing belt and everything attached will go round with the crank - only the nut stands still.

I didn't say I would do it but those bolts can be mighty tight and desperation might set in.

Oh, forgot to say, you have to diss the HT leads or something to avoid starting (that was probably the important bit!)


red

if locating key breaks when you are doing that though its bye bye valves

 

[m20b25]

It is normal threaded, we took one off a Bravo engine. Use a big impact gun and make sure you hold the crank in position ie engine in situ, car on ground, in gear

 

[fingers99]

I ould lock the flywheel directly and use a breaker bar with an extension, Doing it any other way risks snapping the faux woodruff key off the crank pulley.

 

[msodo]

Thank you everyone for the update. I shall have a go on it this weekend and I will let you know how it worked out.
Is there any place that sells the crank sprocket as I could not find it on the internet?
I have just changed the head gasket and noticed the crank oil seal was leaking. I do have the new oil seal but never thought that it would be so difficult to undo the bolt. Well, now I know. Would it be safe to run the car like this? Just topping the oil if the levels go down? That until I can find a place that sells the crank sprocket and maybe manage to find an impact gun to do the job (if breaker bar fails).
Hi Red, technically that sounds like a good idea but I would prefer to stay on the safe side if that is possible.

 

[fingers99]

Fluffy -- Big Mick at Euro Car Parts in Derby a google will find -- should be able to do you one, or your local FIAT dealer, but see if you can get yours off intact first!

 

[msodo]

Hi Dave, it might sound silly but could you please advice if the cylinder head extension gasket can be reused? Just had in a new one but I had to take the cylinder head extension off the car again. Gasket is new but has been soaked oil. Engine hasn’t been running. Thank you.

 

[dave]

i wouldnt re use, they are about £22 though so if you want to try and risk it leaking and have to do it all again its up to you

 

[msodo]

By cylinder head extension gasket I meant rocker cover gasket. Sorry about that but I reckon the same rule apply to that one also? Thank you.

 

[DaveMcT]

If its undamaged, clean it up and re-use with a smear of Loctite 518 on both metal faces. If in doubt fit a new one.

 

[dave]

By cylinder head extension gasket I meant rocker cover gasket. Sorry about that but I reckon the same rule apply to that one also? Thank you.

i know this, you used the right name for it. i have one sitting in front of me part number is 55194044, they seal on the squash, what ever you do don't use any type of sealant on it

 

[msodo]

Hi Dave, I can confirm that you were right: the Fiat Punto mk1 1.2 16V crankshaft centre bolt is just a normal - right handed bolt. I have managed to undo the bolt but I can’t pull off the oil seal. I have tried self taping screws but to no avail. The oil seal is just tearing off without any chance to pull it out. Any ideas how to deal with that stubborn oil seal will be much appreciated. Thank you for your help.