CRANKSHAFT PULLEY REMOVAL
 

Hi: I have a 1985 380SE. I'm trying to replace the water pump but encountered some difficulty. Seems like the bolt at the bottom of the water pump will not come out unless I remove the main pulley. Am I corrrect? If so, I'm not sure if the bolt thread on the CRANKSHAFT pulley is left or right hand.
Any help here will be much appreciated.
Thanks.

RE: CRANKSHAFT PULLEY REMOVAL
 

Not sure about whether you have to remove the crank pulley. However if you do:
Can't be sure of hand on an older vehicle. 95 on is certainly normal right hand thread BUT they are VERY tight to prevent firing acceleration from loosening the bolt.
The bolt is tightened to a torque where the bolt stretches (but does not exceed its elastic limit) so that it acts as an exceeding powerful spring washer. I assume that your bolt has a hex key in it. Ensure yoiu use a good quality socket. If the bolt hex gets damaged (rounded) you have got yourself a problem.
If your car automatic it is important that you DO NOT stop the crank rotating but "jamming" the flywheel drive plate. The torque converter drive plate is NOT strong enough to take the sort of torque that is required. You need to make a special tool to hold the crank pulley. Manual geared vehicles do not present the same problem because the flywheel is much stronger.
Stuart