How do you turn a sbc counterclockwise?

[19,69camaro]

So my issues is that I cannot currently time my engine since there is either the wrong timing cover and or the balancer has slipped on my Mexico block goodwrench 350. I timed it by ear and got it going ok but I would like to verify the mechanical advance curve with a light.

I made a piston stop and was able to get my first mark but when I went to rotate it counterclockwise the balancer bolt loosened up. The only way I can think of doing this is using a prybar/screwdriver and turning the flexplate one tooth at a time.

Anyone know of an easier way?

[andrewb70]

So my issues is that I cannot currently time my engine since there is either the wrong timing cover and or the balancer has slipped on my Mexico block goodwrench 350. I timed it by ear and got it going ok but I would like to verify the mechanical advance curve with a light.

I made a piston stop and was able to get my first mark but when I went to rotate it counterclockwise the balancer bolt loosened up. The only way I can think of doing this is using a prybar/screwdriver and turning the flexplate one tooth at a time.

Anyone know of an easier way?

Take all the plugs out so that it is easier to turn.

Andrew

[19,69camaro]

Andrew I tried that and still no luck it just kept loosening up. I guess its going to be the hard way for me

[Samckitt]

Put lock tight on the bolt, crank it down & let it set for a day, then try.....?

[GTOtzel]

Try the largest strap wrench you can find and put it on the balancer.

[TheJDMan]

The other thing you can do is to remove the crank pulley and screw in some longer grade 5 3/8-24 bolts leave them out far enough that you can use the bolts as lever points to bar the crank around.

[hotrodneb]

My only thought is the flexplate/screwdriver. I don't know---will a starter run backwards?? Negative cable to the post? Wait--NO the bendix won't engage.

[kevs79]

What about one of those tools that bolt to the crankshaft with the smaller bolts?

[kevs79]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/131382720104?ul_noapp=true&chn=ps&lpid=82

[Twentyover]

1) Get in the car
2) Turn steering wheel left
3) Proceed

[Kenova]

The other thing you can do is to remove the crank pulley and screw in some longer grade 5 3/8-24 bolts leave them out far enough that you can use the bolts as lever points to bar the crank around.
I've used this method several times. Probably the easiest solution offered so far.

Ken

[JonnyB]

You could put 3 long bolts in the balancer where the pulley bolts on and use a pry bar to turn it

[19,69camaro]

So I ended up just using a pry bar and a 2x4 to push against to turn the flexplate. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. The reason was I didn't want to chance messing up the balancer more than it was to begin with and the fact that the mechanical fan got in the way.

On a side note after finding and marking the correct timing position, then correcting the advance curve the engine feels like it gained 30hp everywhere!