I'm changing my timing cover gasket because I have a coolant leak that bubbles up from the top of it. I've got my belts off, but had no luck turning the front crankshaft nut loose with the starter and a breaker bar. The breaker bar just flew off with the least vibration as the crank started turning. Oh well. So, next weekend I'll be taking the access cover off the bottom of the bell housing to reach the flywheel teeth. What sort of tool should I plan on having or making to stop the crankshaft? If you've done it, what did you do to stop the crankshaft?
Also, it seems to me that the RAVE manual omits a task or two about this job. There is no instruction to drain the crankcase oil, but it seems to me that the timing cover should be full of oil. Am I going to make a nasty oil puddle if I unscrew this thing without having drained the oil? I hate cleaning up messes; I'm lazy that way.
Thank you for any advice you may have.
Scott
Also, it seems to me that the RAVE manual omits a task or two about this job. There is no instruction to drain the crankcase oil, but it seems to me that the timing cover should be full of oil. Am I going to make a nasty oil puddle if I unscrew this thing without having drained the oil? I hate cleaning up messes; I'm lazy that way.
Thank you for any advice you may have.
Scott