Water pump & Timing belt replacement

[Frog2Spider]

Unfortunately I can't post pictures here, but want to know what the metal shield is that is beside and over the water pump, bolts to the belt tensioner wheel ,and under the block at the oil pan.
It seems that the crank wheel has to be removed to remove this plate. I don't want to do this unless I have to, because I seem to remember reading about a shield that, once taken off, can be thrown away.

Is this 'that' shield?

Thanks Dave

[RRoller123]

I think you are talking about the cover that is removed in step 4 on this chart? I don't think anyone here has actually ever seen one installed, they are so rarely replaced after service! I certainly haven't seen a pic of one on the forum in the last 6 years. Please post a pic if you can.

[gjones1967]

I pulled the motor out of a 1980 FI last weekend and have been wondering the very same thing. There were some small bolts holding it in place by the oil filter housing and I thought it would come off after that but it is still held tight.

[Frog2Spider]

Yup, RRoller, that's it!
What PITA! I'm thinking of cutting it off, so I don't have to remove the crank pulley.
Any other thoughts for removing it?

Thanks for the info,
Dave

[RRoller123]

Pull that pulley, and put back on a light one from AR!

[Frog2Spider]

I'll do that RRoller. I don't think I could cut it far enough to remove it otherwise.

Thanks.

[RRoller123]

Exactly, it extends well under the pulley.

[redauto]

Yup, RRoller, that's it!
What PITA! I'm thinking of cutting it off, so I don't have to remove the crank pulley.
Any other thoughts for removing it?

Thanks for the info,
Dave

I tried cutting one years ago, left a jagged edge
take the crank pulley off, then throw entire stupid shield away
no reason for it.
Jay
1985 fiat spider auto
driven fiats since 1972
www.spiderroadster.com

[grrrdot]

After changing my timing belt I noticed some dirt lodged in the teeth of the timing belt and gear, I also added an EDIS trigger wheel and I wanted my timing belt protected. So, I actually went out of my way to find one of these shields and fit it to my 1608!
I'm probably a little crazy and yea its a PITA to take on and off but if I'm only doing that every few years I rather have the piece of mind that the belt is protected.

[Frog2Spider]

Yup, RRoller, that's it!
What PITA! I'm thinking of cutting it off, so I don't have to remove the crank pulley.
Any other thoughts for removing it?

Thanks for the info,
Dave

I tried cutting one years ago, left a jagged edge
take the crank pulley off, then throw entire stupid shield away
no reason for it.
Jay
1985 fiat spider auto
driven fiats since 1972
http://www.spiderroadster.com

Will do!

[Frog2Spider]

Ok! How do you 'lock' the engine, so as to loosen the nut on the crank pulleys. The car has air, so this is a triple pulley, and the nut is inset a couple of inches. Luckily I have a friend with a right angle impact hammer gun, that I hope works, but there must be a way to stop the engine from turning.
How else could the pulley be removed?
I have tried the 'arm strong' method, with the car in 1st. and the E brake on, but I can't get a solid pull on the nut.
Maybe a helper has to have their foot on the brake?
Got to be a way?

Dave.

[gjones1967]

I can't comment on how to lock it up as my engine was out and I was able to wedge the flywheel lugs to lock it tight. Mine also had a triple pulley. If it has the smaller crankshaft nut (22mmish) beware I'm told it is left handed, I swung on it right handed and broke the bolt.

[Frog2Spider]

Deleted!
Dave.

[Frog2Spider]

Mine is a 38 mm RH nut. Keeping all fingers and toes crossed that it lets go without incident!
Just have to figure how to 'lock' the motor, if the impact gun doesn't work. Big hopes there also!

Dave.

[RRoller123]

I used a chain wrench with 6 foot black iron pipe extension to hold the pulley, and then a similar setup with the socket for the nut. Takes two people, one on one side of the car restraining the pulley from rotating, with the chain wrench, and the other on the opposite side of the car, loosening the nut. It is a little cumbersome, but it works, and without stressing anything in the motor or transmission.