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MG MGA - Crankshaft dog nut removal

I am attempting to replace the crankshaft pulley (chattering due to worn rivets)on my MGA 1600 block. I am having trouble removing the dog nut. I have bent back the lock tabs. The nut is frozen. Should I place a brace between the pulley and car frame to break the nut. I understand the nut is right-hand threaded. I am trying to loosen the nut by turning counterclockwise. Is that correct? Also, should I put the car in gear, or will that put too much stress on the crankshaft and gears? Thanks for your advice.
Eddie

Eddie - I have heard of people getting a socket attached to a breaker bar on the nut and rotating it in hte clockwise direction until the breaker bar is hard against the frame of the car, then (with the coil lead to the ditributor disconnected, hitting starter. They claim that the nut spins right off. I have never tried this, but it sounds like it should work. Good luck - Dave
David DuBois

The starter trick does it every time.
dominic clancy

Eddie. I have always used an air-powered impact wrench to remove this nut. Others have mentioned the use of a long wrench (normally, a socket wrench, of the "breaker bar" configuation with a lenth of pipe attached to it or a block of wood to jamb it and ensure it will not turn or slip) and the starter.

I suppose that the latter method works well because several people have used it with success. I have not tried it because is seemed to demonstrate less control than the use of an impact wrench. I always worried about the wrench slipping off when this procedure was used, or someone being injured when trying to hold the wrench in place so it could not slip off. And, as one fellow reported several years back, make sure you have the wrench braced in the correct position. He did not (forgot the engine runs clockwise when viewed from the front and the handle of the wrench needs to be braced on the right side of the engine as you are looking at it from the front--left side of the engine from the driver's seat). Reported that a wrench, when attached to the crankshaft pulley nut and the engine turned over on the starter, can become an effective flail and cause a fair amount of damage to the engine compartment.

What ever method you use, set it up carefully and do everything you can to avoid damage to the car or people. Removing the nut is not difficult, but it does require some thought and planning.

Les
Les Bengtson

Thanks for all your expert advice. I'll put it to work.
Eddie

I had the same problem after I took the engine out of my car. I ended up taking a handheld propane torch and heated up the dognut for about 5 minutes. After I let it cool I heated it up again for another 5 minutes. Then using a breaker bar and a 5 pound hammer I was able to get if off after 4 Really good hits. Good Luck.
Dan

This thread was discussed between 13/08/2006 and 16/08/2006

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