Series3 crankshaft nut removal

Just thought I'd post some information on how I removed my crankshaft bolt.
I tried various methods as described on the forum, but nothing worked.
This is what worked for me:
Remove alternator. Drill through the lower pulley. Bolt alternator bracket to the hole drilled through the pulley, bolt the other end to the alternator bracket. The engine is now locked. Heat up the nut, use a long socket bar & socket & hey presto!
Hope this may be of assistance.

oldslap said:

Just thought I'd post some information on how I removed my crankshaft bolt.
I tried various methods as described on the forum, but nothing worked.
This is what worked for me:
Remove alternator. Drill through the lower pulley. Bolt alternator bracket to the hole drilled through the pulley, bolt the other end to the alternator bracket. The engine is now locked. Heat up the nut, use a long socket bar & socket & hey presto!
Hope this may be of assistance.

Click to expand...

I assume you are fitting a replacement pulley as it will now be out of balance and if the hole has any rough edges they will act as stress raisers and you could end up with the pulley fracturing at high RPM?

Yeah, fitted a new pulley. The oil leak turned out to be the pulley worn - it had a groove in it. Fitted a new oil seal obviously as well.

I put mine in gear with the hand brake on

With the engine out I clamped the flywheel and then took it off

(Very helpful I know!)