Just a quick update.

I gave up when the oxy-acetylene torch didn't do anything. I must be retarded.

Anyway, here is a picture of the bolt.


Anyway, Toyota got it off and all is well now. Moral of the story, be sure you have the "nads" and tools to do it right on the first attempt.

 

So what kind of high-level wizard was able to get enough grip on that SOB to get it out? I'm not seeing the teeth marks, chisel notches, or welded-on stubs usually found when such total rounding off occurs. I don't question my "nads" as you say, but what tool removes a FUBAR'd bolt like that @ 200+ft.lbs. is well beyond me. So were you witness to this miracle? How was it done?

 

So after Toyota finished the project I heard a LOUD metal on metal clanking. I took it back to them and it turns out the crank bolt came loose. They took it all back apart and tightened it the right way. Here's to hoping it stays tight this time!

 

They said they got it off in no time. They didn't elaborate and I was in a rush. I should have asked.

 

I'm still curious. I started to think chain wrench, but it would be impossible to get in there, wouldn't it? Hmmmm.....man I want one whatever it is.

 

Man, I would document their screwup with that crank bolt. You were fortunate to catch it before it hosed up the front of the crank. If it comes loose again some time in the future and trashes your crankshaft, you will have evidence they undertightened it once already and repeated their mistake again.

 

I got reciepts of both services. The second one shows there was no charge and that the bolt was loose. They will be filed safe!

 

This video shows what it sounds like if anybody has a similar situation or is curious. (click the image)

 

Make sure and check your crank bolt after a thousand miles because mine came loose after the timing belt was done. It seems like every shop puts them on with an impact and call it good, just something to watch for.

 

I had one work loose on my 98 several months after the timing belt job. It started running screwy it wouldn?t rev normally and come to find out it was loose enough that the pulley had moved slightly forward. I was very lucky that the crank wasn?t fubar but it turned out ok??until a year later when I drove the 98 into the back of a Dodge ??.but that?s another stupid story.

 

I found a way to get the cam shafts out without taking off the cam pulleys.
It involves a little "modification" but saved me a ton of time and money
I'm working on a writeup now - should have my HG job done by sunday night and the writup will follow shortly after