Can't loosen bolt on timing chain gear; Left hand treads?

I'm trying to pull the cylinder head on my 2003 2.7 liter. The bolt holding the timing gear to the intake cam is mondo tight. could it be left hand threads? Anyone done this before?

 

Hopefully you have an FSM and if not go get one.

 

I got it loose. I put a bronze dowel thru one of the holes in the gear, so that the dowel rested on the head surface. Broke loose easily. Trying to break it loose holding the camshaft hex with a wrench was just impossible.

 

It is super tight. I'm in the middle of doing the head gasket on mine, and I had to put a 2x4 between the wrench and the fender wall to hold the cam in place.

 

Hi all. I know the thread is old but I'm desperate. My 2.7L gave up the gasket and I'm doing the same right now. but i've spent 3 hours on that timing gear bolt and nothing i do would dislodge it. i have a 1/2" socket wrench with 18" arm that i used and it wont budge. i have even used a 4 foot long pipe to augment my moment arm action but it still wont budge... I'm afraid of actually making it worse if i force it. i might break something...

any tips on making it move? heat it up? cool it down? just keep at it till it moves?
i checked the FSM and it only uses 54ft-lbs. not that bad but i'm sure i'm already at least 150ft-lbs but it still wont budge!

would appreciate any tips. Thank You!!

 

bump

 

Thanks for the bump Trey and Chris... Hoping someone can give me some tips or pics if i were to do the 2x4 idea? dunno how much force the head can take before it breaks...

 

Hmm, I don't think I'd heat it up. No left hand threads, but I took mine off with a 3/8 impact gun. If that doesn't work you might try a 1/2 impact? lol...

 

See the 11/14/2009 post: I got it loose. I put a bronze dowel thru one of the holes in the gear, so that the dowel rested on the head surface. Broke loose easily. Trying to break it loose holding the camshaft hex with a wrench was just impossible. You could use a 3/8" socket extension. Just put something between it and the aluminum head surface ( I used a steel ruler) so you don't dent the aluminum.
By the way, visual inspection of my cyl hd found cracks between the valve seats and spark plug hole on several cylinders. Had to replace it. Odessa Head in florida sells new aftermarket heads with used cam/lifters, all adjusted, for about $300 on Ebay.

 

I think he means Air Impact gun, an air ratchet is a wimpy tool. A good 1/2" or 3/4" one will take it apart with no holdback on the pulley.

 

An air ratchet is a different tool.

http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&sourc...sdmrDw&usg=AFQjCNErrztGVyL7gJEtLct6w2ZGkypXvg
http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&sourc...sdmrDw&usg=AFQjCNGt-z7HViqfTUdK4XU99VgqLA3agA
Sorry, buit it`s just plain wrong, even in VA.....

 

There isn't a big difference haha I just used a gun though. I stopped using an air ratchet on the real tight stuff cause it jerks your arm whichever way it wants to go if it won't break it loose. Then you'll be pissed cause your knuckles are bloody.....lol

 

Thank You Everyone for your suggestions!!!

@Cab4You26: i only have a cordless Ryobi Impact Tool. I dont think its strong enough tho to do the job.
@Jadecuir: Yea, I saw odessa on ebay just tonight before i saw this post. I guess I'll just crank up the muscles til it gives and if it cracks, get that one instead. Odessas price is now at 375 tho and you got to send back the core...
@Krookz and @IsThataHemi. All Valid Suggestions. Peace guys! and Thank You!

I'll do the 4 ft pipe again and this time not hold back. if it breaks. I'll get the one from Odessa, if not. then we're good.

In the meantime, I think I'll add a impact tool to my list of gotta get tools.

Thanks Again!

 

Air tools are the best tools in your garage if you plan on doing any automotive work.

 

Thanks to everyone's suggestions. by far, i've analyze the problem and there were several issues. first was the moving cam, when i put on the muscles, it also rotates. next was the slipping adjustable wrench. when the cam turns, the wrench starts slipping out. i had a wood jammed against it so it wont move much but even with the wood against the wall. it still slips. so finally. i used my 8" 1/2 extension through the timing gear and it stopped it long enough that i was able to actually move it! hopefully that didnt do any damage.

the only caveat would be is if the head cracked first... then i would have just bought an Odessa head.

So for Future reference... here are some pics.

 

attach a breaker bar onto the bolt, brace the bar against something solid like the frame of the truck, crank the engine and it will get loosened.

edit: oops thought you were servicing the chain.. nevermind the above

 

Glad to see you finally got it off.

Take some pictures as you go, I'm thinking about pulling the head on my truck and putting a new one on. Pictures and a description would be a good help for anyone trying to do this later on.