Crank Pulley

[btwilson86]

So I got ready to get the crank pulley off to see what's wrong with my crank timing gear, and I found out that the crank pulley is spot welded to the shaft. Seeing as how a Crank shaft is pricey, and the harmonic balancer is over $500 from the stealership, and I don't have the money to go out and buy a JDM motor, does anyone have any idea on how to remove the pulley in a way that may leave the crank and the pulley salvageable?

[btwilson86]

I have me a used pulley, so I don't care about what happens to the one on the car. Anyone have an idea on how to get it off while leaving the shaft in good shape?

[Bill UK]

I think the only option is to grind the welding off, the one thing that would worry me; is why it was it welded in the first place.? Could be the keyway slot is damaged in the crankshaft or the shaft damaged. If that’s the case then you will be back where you started.

[btwilson86]

Yeah, that's what I've been thinking (cutting the weld). Gonna have to get a little creative on accomplishing that. I do believe the keyway is damaged, or the key is missing because my timing will retard under heavy driving (belt does not jump, good tension, crankshaft timing gear is slipping). I had talked to the owner of the car about 50,000 miles ago and he said the pulley had worked itself off while driving to work. Didn't mention he had it welded on though...

[batmmannn]

Do you guys use a standard 3 arm puller to get these pulleys off? Mine is stuck as predicted. Thanks

[907mge]

Aren't you supposed to use the type that screws in with the 2 bolts?

[batmmannn]

yep, you are, found one at Auto Zone for a deposit of $15.00.

[Bill UK]

You may find this interesting Link

[btwilson86]

So I realized I never wrapped this post up...

I did get my harmonic balancer off. I had to take a torch to the welds, and they all popped away. The problem I then had was that the balancer pulled either a sleeve or the hardened metal layer off of the crankshaft, meaning my replacement balancer would not fit on it.

So after repairing my timing gear, sleeving and keying the crankshaft, and installing another harmonic balancer, the car drove great for a week. It then broke down on a drive, I had to leave it in a turnout for a couple of days, and when I came back it was gone. Apparently somebody didn't like the car there, so they pushed it off the cliff I was near, ending that cars' story.

So be careful torching welds, and if you're harmonic is welded on be ready for alot of work

[batmmannn]

WOW that sucks! How were they able to push it? Did you leave it unlocked? Did you have it insured? I went 45 minutes and back to the Toyota dealer today and they sold me the wrong crank seal. They claim the car has two down there, everyone else only lists one. I see no place where a second crank seal or timing cover seal is there or otherwise! ARGHHHHH!!! If I could get the parts I could do the damn job!~ I didn't want a timkin or whatever they are called from auto zone those seals are junk. They ordered me a Felpro seal with timing cover and water pump gaskets for damn near the same price! GRRRRRRR! I am getting very little done here when I should be done and driving it! GRRRRRR!!!