Crank Nut

[johnsor]

Is the crank nut on the front of the crankshaft difficult to remove with the engine and radiator in? Are they available from the part houses?

 

[700rpm]

They are available and you can remove them with engine and radiator in place. Suppliers make a special offset wrench for the job. A socket and breaker bar won't work with the radiator installed, but the special tool will.

 

[KGBnut]

I've done it with a socket and a breaker bar, but you have to slip the socket in place first from behind the radiator, and then slide an extension through the crank hole. Break it good and loose, then remove the tools and turn it out the rest of the way by hand.

It is a big socket, 1 3/8", larger than NAPA or anywhere else had on the shelf.

Oh, and it's a bolt, not a nut:
http://www.brattons.com/product.asp?P_ID=807&strPageHistory=search&strKeywords=8910

 

[James Rogers]

It is not a nut, it's a bolt, and if you do it like KGBnut suggests , you can use an impact to loosen it.

 

[700rpm]

I've done it with a socket and a breaker bar, but you have to slip the socket in place first from behind the radiator, and then slide an extension through the crank hole. Break it good and loose, then remove the tools and turn it out the rest of the way by hand.

It is a big socket, 1 3/8", larger than NAPA or anywhere else had on the shelf.

Oh, and it's a bolt, not a nut:
http://www.brattons.com/product.asp?P_ID=807&strPageHistory=search&strKeywords=8910

Right. My socket cost me $20!

 

[Purdy Swoft]

I have a crank ratchet nut wrench that I got from Snyders pictured on page A-119 This tool has a long offset handle and a split 1 3/8 socket that slips easily over the ratchet nut. The ratchet nut (actually a bolt) can be removed with the radiator in place. I lay a piece of wood on top of the fender edge and place the wrench handle on top of the wood. I mash the starter pedal with the ignition off. the starter easily breaks the bolt loose and it can be removed. Brattons has a new wrench that resembles the tool that Ford used. it can be used with the starter also. This wrench is on page 40 and both wrenches sell for 35 or 36 dollars.

 

[CarlG]

I've done it with a socket and a breaker bar, but you have to slip the socket in place first from behind the radiator, and then slide an extension through the crank hole. Break it good and loose, then remove the tools and turn it out the rest of the way by hand...

This is the way I do it also. My 1-3/8" socket is 1/2" drive, a 6" extention thru the crank hole and a 24" ratchet to turn it with.

Snap-on Part # SW441
Wright Part # 4844

Got the sockets on eBay for about $15 each

 

[700rpm]

I use a special tool made by Snap-On, place the tool on the crank bolt then slide the crank in and turn it with the crank.

That's slick! How much does it cost?

 

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

I go through the spokes on the backside of the pulley with a sharp air hammer chisel to loosen mine. After a little of my famous Blue Loctite, I tighten it with a round ended chisel, in the same manner. That's called an Okie Impact Wrench! (OIW) BRRRP! BRRRP! Bill W.

 

[Tom Wesenberg]

I used a 1 3/8" box wrench to make my own tool and I also lay the wrench handle on the frame and hit the starter with the key off.

 

[Bruce Lancaster]

My rig fits and works on a Model B...I'm pretty sure clearance is about the same on an A and that it would work. If it fits it is a very convenient tool...

Recipe:

Sears 36 MM socket, 1/2" drive. This fits, and is chosen because I could only find the inch equivalent in 6 point 3/4 drive sockets that were too bulky to go in there.
Slip socket in fitted with the little plug Sears sells that allows it to be turned with a flat wrench. I cannot remember what this thing is called...it is simply a 1/2" square that snaps into socket with 3/4" hex on top.

Add in a ratcheting 3/4 box wrench and you are done. These come both flat handled and with an offset handle.

To break the thing loose or tighten it, you just apply "Okie Impact Wrench"... with wrench sticking out in an appropriate direction, give the end a good smack with a rubber mallet.

 

[bogiediver]

cannot remember what this thing is called...it is simply a 1/2" square that snaps into socket with 3/4" hex on top.

I know this is an old thread - but was looking for this answer... hoping this post may help someone else...

Harbor Freight calls them "Socket Caps" - currently a set of 3 for $4.99

 

[Bob Bidonde]

This wrench, that mimics the original service tool, takes the ratchet bolt off and it makes timing the ignition easier. The wrench is available from "A" parts dealers or you can make one yourself from a 1-3/8 box wrench.