MK7 ST crankshaft pulley alignment tool purpose

[RasmusTJ]

Hi guys!

I'm replacing the timing belt on my 1.6 Ecoboost and I'm wondering what the purpose of the pulley alignment tool is. I thought it was perhaps to relieve stress while tightening the crankshaft bolt, but the workshop manual says to remove it before tightening. Is it related to balancing? Does anybody know?

 

[Sekred]

It times the pulley to the crankshaft because the pulley (harmonic balancer) is not keyed to the crankshaft. When you fit that tool you first remove the speed/timing sensor which sends a pulse to the ECU to tell it crankshaft position, TDC.

 

[M-Sport fan]

I did not know that our crank pulley was not keyed!

 

[D1JL]

ALSO, as instructed, remove the alignment tool before you tighten the pully.
If you do not you could possibly brake it off inside the engine.
It is made of aluminum and therefore you cannot fish it out with a magnet.

 

[RasmusTJ]

It times the pulley to the crankshaft because the pulley (harmonic balancer) is not keyed to the crankshaft. When you fit that tool you first remove the speed/timing sensor which sends a pulse to the ECU to tell it crankshaft position, TDC.

Oh, of course! The sensor reads off the pulley. Makes perfect sense. I am still surprised it doesn't need fixation during tightening but you learn every day. Thanks for the replies!

 

[Sekred]

Oh, of course! The sensor reads off the pulley. Makes perfect sense. I am still surprised it doesn't need fixation during tightening but you learn every day. Thanks for the replies!

Not a fan of the idea myself. As you mention it may move when tightening. I would suggest rechecking the timing again after torqueing the pulley to spec.

 

[RasmusTJ]

Not a fan of the idea myself. As you mention it may move when tightening. I would suggest rechecking the timing again after torqueing the pulley to spec.

Will do. I also plan on inserting the alignment tool again after tightening to check for movement.

 

[RasmusTJ]

Just a small update. We replaced the belt and pump this Saturday, and believe me, it took us the whole day! I kept the pulley alignment tool installed while tightening and nothing indicated that much force had been transfered to the tool as I could easily remove it afterwards.

Thanks again for the support