Crank locking tool for ABY with AC

[Colesy]

Have been reading into what's needed for this and have realised why there hasn't been a queue of people offering to lend me their tool!

From what I've gathered the ABY tool has to be lengthened with nuts or similar, to work with an AC car, it's then bolted on to the block and there is a chance you break the engine...

The 3b tool can be used if modified correctly.

Correct me if I'm wrong on the above.


So, I've been looking into other off the shelf options.

I saw in one thread someone had used one of these tools:

More details
Which is a Sealey VS4448 Diesel Engine Setting/Locking Kit - VAG 2.4, 2.5TDi - Belt Drive, which has unfortunately been discontinued, but looks like it would be ideal to brace against the ground.

The other option I have found which is still widely available for ~£45 is:

Laser 4638 Engine Timing Tool Set for VAG

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Laser-4638-Engine-Timing-Tool/dp/B00369Z3O0

This was recommended in another thread but I couldn't find it second time round so can't confirm whether it will fit. The idea with this one is you brace it with a breaker bar.

Does anyone else have any experience of the above? Or can anyone confirm the depth and diameter of the locking ring required to fit ABY with AC?

[dhali7376]

I've got detailed dimensions of an ADU crank locking tool. PM me your email and I can send you them.

[Colesy]

Thanks Dhali, here's the image:



From what I've read the column A has to be extended to be used on an ABY with AC as the AC pulley is it a bit deeper due to the the AC belt.

So now I just need to see if the Laser TDI tool is the same size as the part B of the 3256.

[K Simmonds]

I used the tool I made for my 3B to change the cam-belt on my 2.4D VW Transporter, it also works on ABY engines though only just goes over the snub mount so I'm going to weld a bit of steel pipe an inch or so long to the back of the location hole to make it universal for all VAG I5's.

[GazzaG60]

that's like the onje I have.

made from some steel plate and a cut off a truck axle stand pole then a bit cut out for the pulley.

worked a treat.

[Rusty]

I've used a flywheel locking tool a few times and it works a treat also. The one I borrowed replaced the starter motor.

[K Simmonds]

that's like the onje I have.

made from some steel plate and a cut off a truck axle stand pole then a bit cut out for the pulley.

worked a treat.

I used an off cut of 60mm OD 5mm wall steel pipe, cut a slit in it and carefully opened it out until it was the same OD as the inside of the crank pulley then cut and filed the jaw to the correct shape.

I got the 5mm plate and pipe off cut for free from the scrap pile at a local industrial building fabricators.

I could knock up a few more if there was interest.

[Colesy]

I used an off cut of 60mm OD 5mm wall steel pipe, cut a slit in it and carefully opened it out until it was the same OD as the inside of the crank pulley then cut and filed the jaw to the correct shape.

I got the 5mm plate and pipe off cut for free from the scrap pile at a local industrial building fabricators.

I could knock up a few more if there was interest.

Cheers for the offer, but I've ordered one of the laser tools so will report back whether it fits. Managed to get one for £40 so thought it was worth a try.

[K Simmonds]

No worries at all, I reckon the one you've ordered should work fine .

[Sonic]

I'd be interested to know how you get on as well Colsey

[b collins]

hi if you go to the audi agents the tool is still available.bernie.

[Colesy]

hi if you go to the audi agents the tool is still available.bernie.

The problem is the factory tool doesn't fit an AC car without some mods, so seems pointless when one of these aftermarket tools will (probably) do the job straight out of the box.

[Colesy]

So, managed a test run of this this morning and it looks good.

The tool fits in snugly, you need a 3/4 breaker bar to secure the locking tool, I'll be finding a more substantial bar before I try to undo this one.

The only slight concern is that to get the best purchase it sits at a slight angle as shown, I don't think this will be a problem though as it feels secure.

A couple of pics to illustrate:

[Sonic]

Is that not a bit awkward being off-centre?

[Colesy]

I got some more strdy 3/4" tools and have just got the crank bolt undone without much fuss at all. I did square it up a bit more than in the above photos though.

The Sealey tool did still sit at a slight angle but there was plenty of contact between it's teeths and the pulley. I braced it against he ground and used a 1m long bar on the ratchet and it came undone quite easily. Would definitely recommend the Laser 4638 tool for the job, I bought it from The Tool Academy for £40, no modifications required. You'll definitely need some sturdy 3/4" tools to go with it though.