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All,

Going to replace the timing belt on the wife's 2002 Civic. Looks like breaking the crank pulley bolt is the most difficult part. My question is can you use the starter to break the bolt loose? Basically place the socket onto the bolt, brace the breaker bar (remove coils to prevent starting) and engage the starter to break loose the bolt. I have used this technique for brecking loose the crank bolt on my Toyota, not sure if it will work for a Honda.

Anyone try this before?

Also, I am unsure of Honda's direction of rotation and firing order.

Thanks!

 
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I don't know, but I just used a 24" breaker bar and jack stand like in this video. Someone mentioned on here that you can loosen it before you do anything else by keeping one of the wheels on and keeping the engine from turning. So I guess that means putting it into first? If you go this route here is a demonstration.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RE-pzP8g_x4

 
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Thanks for the response. Problem is I do not have the pulley tool and the car has an automatic transmission.

Not wanting to pull the starting and jam the flywheel, was looking for an easier way of breaking loose the pulley bolt.

 
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I believe all hondas rotate counter clockwise. Wouldn't that tighten the bolt if you used the starter?

 
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I'm picturing that it would.

 
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I just did this over the weekend. Mine took a 3ft. breaker bar.
You need the crank tool to stop crank from turning. Believe me, the best money sent if you only use it once.
I have used it 3 times so am way ahead.