Locking the crankshaft on K series engine ?

[Phill993]

Hi, anyone know a quick 'diy' method to lock the crankshaft on the K series twin cam petrol engine. Manual says to Rover tool in the hole where the starter motor fits. However, the ROver tool costs £51.00 = VAT from my local dealer!!!!!

I am sure someone has found a more efficient/ingenious way to lock the crank whilst undoing the alternator drive pulley.

By the way are the bolts on the Cam Sprockets and the bolt on the Alternator pulley conventional or lefthand thread?

Would be greatfull for any help !

[Lighting90]

I can not help much, but, with regard to the special tool, have you tried your local Sealey tool seller, or machine mart. I know they both do specialist tools like that, and can be a lot cheaper than the dealers. After all the dealer wants to encourage you to give up and say, "okay you do it then"

[owen]

can the haynes manual not help
don't really know much about these new fangled landy's

[s.stirley]

Aren't they all manual ? shove it in first and have an assistant hold the brake pedal down hard .. the crank will NOT move.

Obviously that doesn't work on an auto ;-)

[Alan H]

With an auto you just put it in park.......
Or remove a spark plug and wedge a screwdriver down the hole between the cylinder head and piston. that should lock it. If you are changing a belt, why not just use a knotted bungy elastic.......

[s.stirley]

Putting it in park doesn't lock the crank though .. otherwise you couldn't put it in park at idle !

[Alan H]

Errr, yes you're quite right on that one. A Ramblers' hand between the pulley and belt would work though!