Do I need a impact wrench to take the harmonic balancer bolt off? Is there any way to do it without using one?

 

I'm pretty sure it said in the Haynes manual you could pull the starter and wedge something (screwdriver, prybar, etc.) in the flywheel to keep the engine from turning over.

 

You can use one of these:

http://chucker54.stores.yahoo.net/damperholder.html

or you can pull the inspection cover off the transmission and wedge a crow bar in the flex plate/fly wheel gear teeth. This will require you to pull the starter, and possibly even the oil pan, as the cover has a lip that connects to the oil pan.

 

i used an air gun and it zipped it right off.

someone awhile back used a piece of flat bar steel, and drilled a couple of holes to create a tool like above in squirrel's picture. the holes don't have to be anywhere near exact, as big washers can make up for generous holes.

the bolt is torqued to about 140-150, not too bad, so all you need is something to hold the engine from turning while you pull on the bolt.

on other engines i've used a screwdriver in the flywheel, but these motors are such a pita to expose the flywheel, the flat bar is a lot faster.

beware of sticking a screwdriver through the balancer and letting it bottom against the aluminum timing cover. something will break.

 

Impact is so much easier if you can get ahold of one, makes it come off without a problem

 

I have an air impact wrench, but my compressor is only a 17 gallon tank and can't handle it. I might have to rent one.

 

I used a 5 gallon compressor with an impact to remove the crank bolt on the 240sx i had. Air supply didnt last long (few seconds), but gave the initial burst it needed to break lose.

 

Yea it should work still. It litlery only took a 1 or 2 second burst and it loosens right up. Did mine last week.

 

Okay, so my air tank will hit 3.2 cfm @ 90 psi / 5.2 cfm @ 40 psi and the impact wrench calls for 4 cfm @ 90 psi. So am I good to go?

 

Don't run it constant, just 'bounce' the trigger. You get more out of that initial burst, than you do just holding the trigger.