I'm trying to remove my Crankshaft Pulley on my 83 240D without rotating the engine counterclockwise. I've tried jammimg a block of wood, and locking the engine in gear. (Manual transmission) Neither method works. I'm aware that turning the engine ccw is not good for the Timing Chain Guides, and possibly the valves and pistons?.
Shouldnt putting the manual transmission into gear work in locking the engine? I think it should? Is there a special tool or should i remove the trans and use the flywheel and engine to trans bolt to lock like when I put the engine together?
Sometimes the simplest tasks can be frustrating!

Usually there is a hole in the bottom of the bell housing you can insert a flat pry bar in and have some one hold it against the flywheel. I am not sure for the older cars, but I have the special holder for the M103 and later engines. Cost is about $100.

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Benzmac:
1981 280GE SWB
1987 16V
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

First remove the belt pulley from the inner crankshaft pulley. You will see 2 cutouts in the inner pulley at 180 degrees. With the engine turned to the correct position, a 13MM deep socket can be wedged between one of the cutouts and one of the 6MM allen head bolt heads which hold the oil pan on at the front of the block, It will be necessary to turn the engine backwards only slightly to lock the socket in place after which you can really pull on the center crank bolt. Works in reverse for retightening also.

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JK - ASE Certified Master
Technician, Mercedes-Benz specialist

It all comes back to me now--put a socket wrench on the pulley, brace its handle against a wood block set correctly to keep wrench handle from spinning, and then get in the car and spin the starter motor--the pulley will turn itself out automatically. Benzmac, I hope this puts a smile on your face!

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Carrameow,

Now you're usin' the ole brain!

Larry