Hey all - what's a good way to keep an engine with auto trans from turning?

I'm installing a harmonic balancer and need to hold the engine solid while I crank away at the bolt.

Thanks!

Steve

I don't know how you can hold the crankshaft. Be sure the threads in the crank snout are clean. You may have to run a 3/4-16 tap in there first. Then try the bolt without the damper to see that is screws in freely as far as you need it to go.

I use a piece of threaded rod that I milled a hex on one end (looks square in picture). This allows me to hold the threaded rod with one wrench and use a second wrench to turn the nut that forces the damper onto the crank.
For a washer I used a 1/2" thick round slug (scrap from laser cutting operation) and drilled a hole in the middle for threaded rod to pass through. See picture. The other assorted washers and spacers are used to install a degree wheel on the crankshaft.

Threaded rod need not be as long as shown.

Thanks Craig, that's a slick setup! Way easier than trying to hold the crank.

I had to get this car running by tomorrow, so here's what I did: crawled under the car, looped a fan belt around one of the pulleys, put my foot thru the other end of the loop and pushed. With one hand working the crank bolt, the other hand (and a foot) holding the fan belt, I was able to get just enough torque to get the balancer seated.

Your way is much better, I'm gonna make one of them tools as soon as I get a chance.

Steve

I pulled the starter and wedged a large screwdriver under a tooth on the torque convertor.

Jerry

_________________
There's a difference between ignorance and stupidity.
Ignorance is not knowing any better.
Stupidity is knowing, yet doing it anyway.

What I have done in the past is take out the number 1 spark plug and thread some rope into the cylinder. Crank the engine by hand and make sure it is coming up to TDC on compression, not valve overlap. When the piston meets the rope the engine will stop turning.

For all of you running out to buy jute rope, buy the white nylon rope like that kind used in marine applications, because then it won't scratch the combustion chamber