The Ford Barn

smittykid · 10-01-2015, 06:45 AM

My 28 pickup has a tool box mounted under the radiator shell thus blocking the crank hole. I purchased one of those 1 3/8 offset wrenches to turn the engine for future timing(if needed) When I went to test fit the wrench on the 1 3/8" nut, I was shocked to see the nut was loose! I have not had any overheating problems. I was on the right side of the truck. The nut would tighten and I could turn the crank nut to the left, but when I pull it toward me, it loosens again. A mechanic told me this is not uncommon and just to tighten it the best I can. I still worries me. Have I got a major problem here or was he right?

Mitch//pa · 10-01-2015, 06:53 AM

remove the crank bolt
make sure the end of the crankshaft does not protrude past the crank pulley as you want the bolt to hold the pulley securely.
clean the bolt and crank threads with brake kleen then blow dry
locktite the bolt and reinstall
keep an ear and eye out for leaks or noises from that area...

Tom Wesenberg · 10-01-2015, 09:23 AM

If the threads are worn on the crank bolt then I'd replace it. I've never heard of one stripped, as your's sounds like it is. The pulley is driven by a key in the shaft, so it will turn fine even with a loose bolt, but check the pulley and crank end as Mitch mentioned, and keep a tight bolt in place. If the pulley isn't clamped tight by the bolt it will likely wear to a sloppy fit after years of use. I've never come across a loose or stripped crank bolt.

smittykid · 10-01-2015, 09:32 AM

Thanks Mitch & Tom. I'm going to pull the crank bolt out, clean the threads and reinstall with some blue Locktite. I will check the end of the crank as per Mitch. I will report back later.

Fullraceflathead · 10-01-2015, 10:38 AM

If you put the Truck in high gear with parking brake on you should be able to get the bolt tight with out the engine turning on you.

BILL WILLIAMSON · 10-01-2015, 01:01 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I use a blunt chisel in an air hammer. Just poke it through the spokes on the backside of the pulley, position it in a cranknut slot & BRRRRP-BRRRRP, it's TIGHT! The Dog addresses me as, "cranknut" !
Bill W.

smittykid · 10-03-2015, 03:46 PM

Got the bolt out, threads looked pretty good. I cleaned the threads and applied blue Locktite . I haven't tried starting it yet as I want to take it for a spin and it's been raining ever since I replaced the bolt. Thanks to everyone for all your help & suggestions. Smitty

smittykid · 10-06-2015, 06:19 PM

Took the old boy out yesterday for a 6 mile jaunt. When I put him back in the garage I checked the crank bolt & it seems to be good and tight. Thanks again to everyone! Smitty

Mitch//pa · 10-06-2015, 07:56 PM

Nice Smit

10-01-2015, 06:45 AM	#1
smittykid Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: NW Pa./Sc. Posts: 252	Crank pulley nut question My 28 pickup has a tool box mounted under the radiator shell thus blocking the crank hole. I purchased one of those 1 3/8 offset wrenches to turn the engine for future timing(if needed) When I went to test fit the wrench on the 1 3/8" nut, I was shocked to see the nut was loose! I have not had any overheating problems. I was on the right side of the truck. The nut would tighten and I could turn the crank nut to the left, but when I pull it toward me, it loosens again. A mechanic told me this is not uncommon and just to tighten it the best I can. I still worries me. Have I got a major problem here or was he right?

10-01-2015, 06:53 AM	#2
Mitch//pa BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Bucks County, PA Posts: 11,454	Re: Crank pulley nut question remove the crank bolt make sure the end of the crankshaft does not protrude past the crank pulley as you want the bolt to hold the pulley securely. clean the bolt and crank threads with brake kleen then blow dry locktite the bolt and reinstall keep an ear and eye out for leaks or noises from that area...

10-01-2015, 09:23 AM	#3
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: Crank pulley nut question If the threads are worn on the crank bolt then I'd replace it. I've never heard of one stripped, as your's sounds like it is. The pulley is driven by a key in the shaft, so it will turn fine even with a loose bolt, but check the pulley and crank end as Mitch mentioned, and keep a tight bolt in place. If the pulley isn't clamped tight by the bolt it will likely wear to a sloppy fit after years of use. I've never come across a loose or stripped crank bolt.

10-01-2015, 09:32 AM	#4
smittykid Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: NW Pa./Sc. Posts: 252	Re: Crank pulley nut question Thanks Mitch & Tom. I'm going to pull the crank bolt out, clean the threads and reinstall with some blue Locktite. I will check the end of the crank as per Mitch. I will report back later.

10-01-2015, 10:38 AM	#5
Fullraceflathead Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Chillicothe, Missouri Posts: 1,176	Re: Crank pulley nut question If you put the Truck in high gear with parking brake on you should be able to get the bolt tight with out the engine turning on you. __________________ "If I asked people what they wanted they would have said faster horses." -Henry Ford "Primitive technology is not a design flaw" 1928 Ford Model A Roadster Pickup 1930 Gordon Smith Air Compressor 1941 Willy's Pickup 1960 Thunderbird-For Sale 1964 Buick Riviera 2x4 425 1965 Pontiac GTO, 455 Super Duty 2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10, V-10 Viper 1977 Charger Jet Boat,460 Ford,Jacuzzi Jet Front Engine Nostalgia Dragster,Supercharged 296 "Fullrace Flathead" Ford Engine Build up on DVD ask

10-01-2015, 01:01 PM	#6
BILL WILLIAMSON Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: FRESNO, CA Posts: 12,560	Re: Crank pulley nut question Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I use a blunt chisel in an air hammer. Just poke it through the spokes on the backside of the pulley, position it in a cranknut slot & BRRRRP-BRRRRP, it's TIGHT! The Dog addresses me as, "cranknut" ! Bill W. __________________ "THE ASSISTANT GURU OF STUFF"

10-03-2015, 03:46 PM	#7
smittykid Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: NW Pa./Sc. Posts: 252	Re: Crank pulley nut question Got the bolt out, threads looked pretty good. I cleaned the threads and applied blue Locktite . I haven't tried starting it yet as I want to take it for a spin and it's been raining ever since I replaced the bolt. Thanks to everyone for all your help & suggestions. Smitty

10-06-2015, 06:19 PM	#8
smittykid Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: NW Pa./Sc. Posts: 252	Re: Crank pulley nut question Took the old boy out yesterday for a 6 mile jaunt. When I put him back in the garage I checked the crank bolt & it seems to be good and tight. Thanks again to everyone! Smitty

10-06-2015, 07:56 PM	#9
Mitch//pa BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Bucks County, PA Posts: 11,454	Re: Crank pulley nut question Nice Smit