TR2/3/3A Generator Pulley Bolt Removal

[SteveBones]

Hello,

It has been a while since the last time I had to replace the generator. My problem is with trying to remove the pulley bolt. Tried using a old style impact wrench with no luck. Just can not figure out how to stop the pulley from rotating. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Steve Bonner

 

[CJD]

I've always locked in a 6" table vice, although I would have thought the impact driver would have done it too.

 

[sp53]

I use an air impact gun and the nuts have spun right off the shaft.

 

[Geo Hahn]

Help me remember. Is this a right hand or left hand thread?

 

[Sarastro]

It's right hand. I would have expected an impact gun to remove it also, but if it doesn't, it doesn't. I have sometimes held the moving part in a strap wrench in such cases; here, you could wrap the belt tightly around the pulley to hold it. I suspect you need just a little bit to inhibit the pulley's movement; then the impact gun will work.

 

[SteveBones]

I've always locked in a 6" table vice, although I would have thought the impact driver would have done it too.

Have not considered the 6" table vice. Part of the problem is too much time between jobs on a TR3 for me, and trying to remember what works. Are you suggesting locking the pulley itself into the vice? I had an issue with the water pump pulley cracking in the past. Will this not be an issue with using a 6" vice for securing the generator pulley? Thanks also for letting me know the impact driver has worked for you in the past. Encourages me to continue with this approach.

 

[SteveBones]

It's right hand. I would have expected an impact gun to remove it also, but if it doesn't, it doesn't. I have sometimes held the moving part in a strap wrench in such cases; here, you could wrap the belt tightly around the pulley to hold it. I suspect you need just a little bit to inhibit the pulley's movement; then the impact gun will work.

View attachment 65722

Great advice. I need to see if I can find someone who has an impact gun. I do have an impact driver that you hit the end with a hammer.

 

[SteveBones]

Help me remember. Is this a right hand or left hand thread?

I removed the generator earlier. I recall the thread is standard.....clockwise to tighten, counterclockwise to loosen. Yesterday I reinstalled the generator with the plan to tighten the belt, and try using a socket wrench. At this point I am trying all options I have easy access to.

 

[SteveBones]

I use an air impact gun and the nuts have spun right off the shaft.

I thought this would be the best approach. Unfortunately I do not have an air compressor and impact gun. I do have an impact driver where a hammer is used. Maybe I can find a local mechanic who has an impact driver.

 

[CJD]

You do have to be careful if you use a vice. I usually use wood or old rags to protect the pulley. It doesn't take much pressure to hold it from turning, so no need to over tighten the vise. Aahh...the impact driver makes sense...an impact wrench usually makes quick work of little jobs like this nut.

 

[SteveBones]

Thanks for the heads up on being careful with the vice. My father was a airplane mechanic in the Marines. When I was young he would always stress the importance of not over tightening. Great suggestions with the other options too. Thanks.

You do have to be careful if you use a vice. I usually use wood or old rags to protect the pulley. It doesn't take much pressure to hold it from turning, so no need to over tighten the vise. Aahh...the impact driver makes sense...an impact wrench usually makes quick work of little jobs like this nut.

 

[Sarastro]

You can get an electric impact gun. I think you will find that it's a worthwhile investment, and will do a lot to make working on these cars easier.

I have one of those things you hit with a hammer, and it is useful sometimes, but not even close to the gun.

 

[sp53]

Yes the electric ones are very nice and powerful.