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I am replacing the Crankshaft sprocket Gear. Currently the crankshaft is out of the engine. I am using a three prong puller to remove the gear and it is slipping off. My question is do I need a specialized tool? And another, is this going to take a lot of force?

I took some poster's advise and when I was bringing the engine back from the yard, I stopped off at a truck service center to have the crankshaft nut removed. ( Prior I ended up drilling and destroying, and spending way too much time, removing a crankshaft nut).

I hope the gear is not a sequel to the nut!

anthony wrote:I am replacing the Crankshaft sprocket Gear. Currently the crankshaft is out of the engine. I am using a three prong puller to remove the gear and it is slipping off. My question is do I need a specialized tool? And another, is this going to take a lot of force?

I took some poster's advise and when I was bringing the engine back from the yard, I stopped off at a truck service center to have the crankshaft nut removed. ( Prior I ended up drilling and destroying, and spending way too much time, removing a crankshaft nut).

I hope the gear is not a sequel to the nut!

Anthony,

I do not have an exact answer, but I have done this on my motorcycles. In that case, it was very tight and needed heat added to the sprocket. If you plan to reuse the sprocket, be careful not to overheat the teeth.

It's probably going to take a bunch to get it off, I remember when I played with aircooled VWs there was a crank gear that had to come off to turn the crank and it was a bitch. I wouldn't think a HD 6 like a M30 would come apart any easier.

There are many types of gear pullers, some larger and better than others. Of course you could get creative and cut it off, drill a hole endwise and split it, but I wouldn't. Unless I was stuck somewhere and absolutely had to get it done.

As you know, the early M30 have double sprocket gear, the old M30 (beginning with e28) have single chain/sprocket. The double sprocket gear, I think is much harder to break, but nevertheless, I nave a friend who breaked the double sprocket while pulling it out. He used a profi-type gear puller, but it came out, that the puller was "stronger".
As Blaise wrote - the best way is to heat the sprocket gear and I'll add - simultaneously - to cool the shaft.
Usually, even with a lot of miles passed, it is enough to change the chain and the chain leading parts only. So, my thought is - if it is not really necessary - don't do this. But if you really have to change the sprocket gear (if it is very worn), after you remove it - successfully with gear puller or by breaking, drilling or splitting - remember - then you have to put the new gear on the shaft. It will be easier, but again - it will be a very hard job (with heating and cooling again, with special press instrument).

I wanted to refresh everything. I am going to rethink the crank gear. It doesn't have to be done today or tommorow, so I have some time to think. I'll keep you posted! And thanks.

As I know - you are doing Motronic 1.3 M30B35 swap (e32 or e34 engine).
And if this is the case - these engines are "new"(some 20 years ), compared to e12.
The sprocket gear is single. You want it to convert to double or just change it with new one? If you don't plan further engine mods - the single gears and chain are strong enough. Maybe it will be much easier to remove a single sprocket from the shaft, but beware of breaking.

What you need is bmw tool #88 88 6 112 000 " puller". I bought mine about 8 years ago, it was like $350. It's a thing of beauty. Shaped like two-thirds of a pear cut vertically. Comes with two different length shafts, three different seats. Only done one crank with it, took about five minutes.

I am going to fit the new chain on the gear and determine the sloppiness.

I love specialized tools I just can't afford the expense right now.

If needed, I will purchase a better puller at harbor freight.