Cheap V6 crank locking tool

[demolite]

Atleast some (I think all, but can someone confirm?) V6 engines have a crank sprocket where the bolt pattern is not uniform. This makes it impossible to install the aux belt pulley 180 degrees off.

See pic: (Upper thread hole is not in the center but about 4mm to the left of centerline)


Now I bought a crank locking tool set for doing the cambelt, and the crank tool didn't fit. Now I know why, here's the tools baseplate:


The hole which has the handscrew to screw to the upper sprocket thread is on the centerline of the tool! If it screws on, the tool is tilted and inaccurate. If you dont screw it on it won't go fully on the sprocket because the handscrew threads are in the way.


The tool can be used by removing the handscrew completely:


Needless to say, it has to be held on by hand when turning the crank.

[demolite]

More pics. The tool was from a 50 euro ebay set.



Works fine without the screw.

[Nick W]

The lock aligns on the flats of the pulley. File the screw hole so the screw holds the lock in place.
Easy.

[demolite]

Yeah it can be modified easily, the point here was to warn that bad tools like this exist and to test pictures. 

[minifreek]

The rule applies here, buy cheap buy twice, or in this case buy cheap and opps up you're engine timings...

I do have the 'proper' V6 timing tool for sale, made by Blue Point (Snap On), if you're interested....?