It begins: 2L-TE into '92 V6 Xcab

[Andy87]

So I have all the parts I need (I think), and the weather is finally getting better (other than the rain yesterday and today).

I had the A/C system on the V6 engine evacuated a few days ago... cost $95. I could have driven to the city and had it done for $40, but it's a 45 minute drive and the V6 isn't running all that well.

Anyway, I decided to do all the maintenance on the 2L-TE before I pull the V6, and I'm stuck at the crankshaft/vibration-damper bolt. I've done timing belts a few times with engines still in vehicles, which was no problem. But, even with a 1/2" impact wrench, and my compressor at ~120 psi (it only goes to 125), the bolt isn't budging. I braced the crank from turning by using a combination wrench against two of the bolts that hold the pulleys to the vibration damper, but still no luck. I tried the same thing, but used a 1/2" breaker bar instead of the impact wrench, and I managed to bend both of the pulley bolts.

So, the next thing I'll try is to make a brace out of a long piece of steel bar, and try the breaker bar again... but I'm not too confident that will work. The impact wrench is rated at 275 ft-lbs of torque, and I doubt it is making that at 120 psi, but still, I'm a little worried that this may not be possible with the engine out of the truck.

Anyone know any clever tricks or tips that I may be missing? I'd prefer to get this done before I put the engine in the truck, but it may have to wait if I can't get the bolt loose.

Thanks,
Andy