1997 dodge 3/4 ton, 318. Is the crank damper bolt left or right

[Psyclone]

As the title asks, Is the bolt that holds the damper on the crankshaft left or right threads?

Is there an easy way to keep the engine from turning while I'm trying loosen and torque this bolt?

Thanks.

[alloro]

It's normal right hand threads. The easiest way to hold the engine is to put a chain wrench around the pulley that's bolted to the damper. The other method involves buying and using a flywheel holding tool. But for that you need two people because of the flywheel being at the back of the engine.

Here's the tool:
http://www.centralnevadatool.com/powerbuilt-648456.html

[alloro]

Oh and don't, I repeat...don't, put a chain wrench on the damper itself. You can tear the rubber spacer in it.

[Psyclone]

Thanks much.

[karlstream]

This is what I've done a couple of times to loosen the damper bolt. Put a socket attached to a long breaker bar on it and wedge the bar against a frame member. Then tap the starter. Works every time.

karl

[alloro]

So how do you tighten it without the engine turning?

[karlstream]

"So how do you tighten it without the engine turning?"

Good question. I'm a take apart guy, not a put together guy. Probably the rotation of the pulley when running will keep the nut good and tight. Once it's reasonably tight, that is.

karl