Experiences with Cam/Crank Locking tools?

[erikv11]

I’m struggling with that crack.

The load is spread out over the 26? Splines so any one spline sees very little load, but on the von side, the pulley is getting 2000 strikes per second of impact. That impact is damped by the pulley so the timing belt system doesn’t feel it.

I’m a viscous cheapskate but if I had this that far apart, I would replace it, especially since it’s hard to inspect.

That crack is probably at least 50% longer than it looks, and it’s headed for the locator pin.

...

Voice of reason. Replacing it is not a lot of money, compared to value of one lot of peace of mind.

[volvolugnut]

My thoughts:
Cracks tend to grow when exposed to cycling loads.
If the crack grows and the hub splits it will get looser and if the nut does not hold in place, hammer out the crank nose spline. A bad crank is likely a death sentence for older engines.
It is mostly disassembled and a used hub is $20.
I would change the hub without locking the crank and never worry about it again.
volvolugnut

[ionianp2]

Thank you all for your insight. I went ahead and ordered the replacement gear. I ended up going with a new OEM one, which was on sale. After-all, I am keeping this car for the long haul. It's only a humble 2.4 NA, but the fact that I can row my own gears makes it an awesome daily for me.

I'm still scratching my head for how this one developed a crack in the first place. They shouldn't crack, but that dissuaded me from going with another used one.

At this point I'm researching for which "Amazon" toolset is decent enough to do the job. I'm even looking for used decent sets (if anyone has one feel free to PM me).

It's not that I'm uncomfortable with doing the timing belt job, I've already done it in the past; it's more the fact that to my eyes it gear looks a little offset and I am anticipating a bit of a fight to get it out, and put the new one in... Hence why I really wanted to lock the crank in place...

Once again my thanks to all of you!

[volvolugnut]

There is no 'one set and done' tool set. There will always be new tools needed for specific jobs. I have built my tool collection in small sets purchased new and individual tools purchased new and used. Once even a barrel of used tools at an auction.
Know the better brands and seek them out for new or used purchase. A cheap tool that breaks in use will be frustrating and may get you hurt.
volvolugnut

[cn90]

Post a photo of the crack (different angles) once you have it out...

[ionianp2]

Will do.

[vtl]

Use a coin for puller, it'll go much smoother.

Cheap Amazon locking tool ended up in chipping off a chunk of camshaft... Be aware.