Cambelt change on an auto MX5.

[bubblehead]

Just done a cambelt change on the wifes auto mx5 but i'm struggling to torque up the crankshaft pulley bolt as i cant hold the engine stationary. Had a look at the flywheel ring gear and there is a small inspection port at the bottom which i could maybe jury rig something to in order to lock the flywheel....Is this the way to go or will i wreck the flywheel teeth or is there another method ?

[Steve_D]

I take it 'in gear with the brakes on' is not working.
You could remove the starter and jam the starter ring gear with a screw driver.

Steve

[bubblehead]

It's an auto steve so that won't work, first time i've worked on an auto, looks like the jamming the flywheel route then.

[tristancliffe]

Some Toyota autos have holes in the front crank pulley that you can put a pin through to lock the crank. See if the MX-5 pulley has the same thing - fairly nondescript holes on front fact of the pulley for a 8mm bolt.

[bubblehead]

Thanks for the reply but i've sorted it now by making a tool which bolts on to the bottom of the bell hosing and locks the flywheel. Something simple like the toyota design would have been easier and quicker though!