MG Midget 1500 Crank Bolt

[DougBug60]

[color:#009900][/color]Hello everybody;
Today the bolt that secures the harmonic balancer/crank pulley to the crank shaft departed from the crankshaft. Has anyone else had this experience?
I was very surprised and also delighted that it did not puncture the radiator. Have a great week! Doug

 

[jlaird]

Ho boy.

I would expect that it was caused by a fracture from someone beating on it in the past to get it out.

That has to be an engine pull to get it out correctly.

 

[aeronca65t]

Yes.
It fell off along with pulley at low speed.
This was on a 1500 street car a long time ago.
I drilled the bolt and safety wired it to the pulley (also drilled).
These days I use Loc-Tite.

 

[Bugeye58]

I'm a firm believer in both Loctite and safety wire. I've only had a crank bolt come out once, on a 1098 Midget. It didn't hurt a thing, and was lying under the steering rack when I noticed it. <u>After</u> a spirited drive!
Jeff

 

[DougBug60]

Thanks for the suggestions. I guess I'll pull the radiator an see what might be amiss. The engine was rebuilt in the 90's by the previous owner... the same guy who hung the front bumper on the studs and did not think to install the nuts!!! Made it all the way from Missouri to Wisconsin without it falling off. I guess high speed driving is not only fun but it will hold the front bumper on also lol. Doug