94 Mazda B2300 2.3 liter 5M timing belt change question
 

Hi,
I am changing the timing belt on my 94 Mazda B2300 5M 2.3 liter. I
Am to the point of getting the belt off but need to get the center bolt and harmonic balancer off. Can't get the belt off the the crank pulley without removing the center bolt and harmonic balancer, and possibly the crank position sensor. Saw a couple of ways to do this. I have an impact wrench so want to try that first by putting the manual trans in 1st or reverse and applying the emergency brake but don't want to screw anything up. Have the pulleys lined up top dead center and don't want to mess that up by turning the crank with the belt partially off, may just put it back on all the way for this.The other way is to use my breaker bar by wedging it on the frame/ floor or a floor jack/jack stand and bumping the starter. The rope trick in the spark plug hole method I saw is not one I want to try. Which method would you suggest and will I need a puller to get the balancer off? Any tips appreciated. -) :ponder: Lane

the top and bottom pulleys have a alignment hole that you screw bolts through into the cylinder head and engine block