Harmonic balancer tool

[donkmeister]

Whilst under the bonnet yesterday I noticed that my crankshaft pulley (aka harmonic balancer) was moving around a bit more than I think it should. As I've had the car for 30k miles and don't know when it was last done, I plan to change the pulley, belt and tensioner before it gets too bad.
Looking at how-to guides, there is a special tool for the M112 and M113 engines to lock the pulley against the subframe to allow the nut to be undone. It has 3 prongs and a reaction arm. I can't find this tool in the UK though.
Is a generic pulley locking tool sufficient? The special one looks a lot more substantial than the others I've seen.

[AC43]

donkmeister said:

Whilst under the bonnet yesterday I noticed that my crankshaft pulley (aka harmonic balancer) was moving around a bit more than I think it should. As I've had the car for 30k miles and don't know when it was last done, I plan to change the pulley, belt and tensioner before it gets too bad.
Looking at how-to guides, there is a special tool for the M112 and M113 engines to lock the pulley against the subframe to allow the nut to be undone. It has 3 prongs and a reaction arm. I can't find this tool in the UK though.
Is a generic pulley locking tool sufficient? The special one looks a lot more substantial than the others I've seen.

Mine went super-wobbly on holiday near Bordeaux and I had to get it done at the nearest capable garage. They weren't MB specialists so I'd expect them to have used something generic.

[SebringMan]

If you have an aperture in the lower half of the sump where it goes into the bellhousing you can use this special tool. You can also use the other lock for where the starter motor is too.



I've just ordered a kit. I'll let you know how I get on.