A6 2.8 30V crank pin lock hole access

[keenyoung]

I'm in the middle of a timing belt change on my 2000 A6 2.8 30V. I can see the roundish cover with the 10mm bolt that covers the crank pin lock hole, but it's over the frame member, and I can't get my hand any where near it. Do you have to remove the AC compressor to get at the damn thing, or is there some other way to get in there?

Thanks,
Keen

[audifirst]

if you did remove bumper you can access it from driver side area you should have plenty room to put your hand through

[keenyoung]

I not only have the bumper off, I have the radiator, AC condenser, and core support off. The crank lock hole is blocked from below by the subframe and sway bar. It is blocked in the front by the AC compressor. On the side it is blocked by the engine mount, suspension, and wiring. I don't see any where that there is more than an inch of open space to get a hand thru. I can just barely see the thing. If I have to I'll remove the AC compressor. I was just hoping someone had an easier suggestion.

Thanks,
Keen


if you did remove bumper you can access it from driver side area you should have plenty room to put your hand through

[OGBULLYLOCDAWG]

Post a photo if you can, lets just make sure you're looking at the right thing. There's a gap around where the oil pan/filter is located that you should be able to snake your hand up there and get to it.

[OGBULLYLOCDAWG]

This the oil drain plug in front. As you can see by the arrow, the crank locking plug sits a bit above and back of the pan (you also see the small gap I mentioned where you're able to snake your hand up there).
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f174/DavesData2/1999%20A4q%20Silver/misc/DSCN6438.jpg
(Courtesy of DaveInSaltLake)

And make sure the o-ring comes out, or the crank pin won't go in properly.
http://sandbox.enjoybeing.net/pics/30v-v6-cam-lock-plug.jpg

Good luck.

[keenyoung]

OK. I see that if I pull the filter and unbolt the wiring harness from the bottom of the engine mount I might be able to get my hand in there.

Just to be sure, is the circled item the crank lock cover?

Thanks,
Keen

http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t491/keenyoung/IMG_2274_zps165a9cbf.jpg



Post a photo if you can, lets just make sure you're looking at the right thing. There's a gap around where the oil pan/filter is located that you should be able to snake your hand up there and get to it.

[OGBULLYLOCDAWG]

OK. I see that if I pull the filter and unbolt the wiring harness from the bottom of the engine mount I might be able to get my hand in there.

Just to be sure, is the circled item the crank lock cover?

That looks to be it, but I swear there was no need to remove anything of the sort.

You're not gonna be able to get to it from directly under the location of it. It's more from the front of the car by the pan/oil filter (like it shows in the first photo I posted) -- you gotta snake your hand up through a gap in the front, then reach back for it.


I have an 01, but we should both have ATQ motor.. I don't think there should be any difference between ours under there.

[themadscientist]

I can usually reach it while laying under the car. Getting at it from the side or front would be more difficult, I imagine.

[OGBULLYLOCDAWG]

I can usually reach it while laying under the car. Getting at it from the side or front would be more difficult, I imagine.

My mistake, I meant closer to the front. I did this while I had the entire front-end swung open, so once I got my sight on the crank lock plug, I was able to stick hand up and through the opening to undo the 10mm bolt.

[keenyoung]

I finally managed to get the crank lock pin installed today. I didn't need to pull the oil filter, but I did need to pull the wiring loom mount off the bottom of the engine mount. I never would have been able to get to the hole otherwise. I guess I just have fat hands!

On a side note, those cam sprockets do make a big POP when they come free of the camshaft ends!

Thanks to all for the tips and pictures!
Keen