Removing lower timing belt cover on 93 940 turbo

[daddyo731]

Any advice on removing the lower timing belt cover on a 1993 940 turbo? My son was helping me change the water pump and dropped a small nut down into the lower timing belt cover. We will probably need to pull off the pulleys in front of the camshaft, but we are having trouble keeping them from turning while we attempt to loosen the bolt holding the pulleys in place. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated since we are stuck.
Thanks

[billofdurham]

Welcome to Matthew's Volvo Site.

You do need to remove the crankshaft pulley. There is a special tool to hold it and it certainly makes the job easier. IPD and FCPGroton both sell them (links at top of forum). You may also be able to hire one.

If you know a metal worker you can find the plans to make one on swedishbricks.

Various other methods have been advocated - long bar on a socket wedged against the floor and flick the starter; screwdriver wedged in the flywheel to stop the crank turning; ropes tied around various places. All have the drawback that damage can be done. There is a small nib on the crankshaft that keeps the pulley in place. The long bar method could snap this resulting in a very costly repair. The screwdriver in the flywheel could damage the flywheel.

Bill.