Flywheel access cover??? Where is it??? I'm installing a new timing belt on need to find this so the pulleys stop moving!!!! Please help me

I couldn't find it either, when I did my timing belt ! I managed to loosen it by attaching a power bar to the socket with a long extension. Then I rested the extension on a pile of bricks (up to the hight of the crank-pulley bolt). Then I hit the power bar repeatedly with a 4 lb hammer, and it eventually came loose .... (it's sort of a simular concept to the impact screwdriver)

Pretty unorthodox, I know, but it worked ...

To re-tighten it, I put the wheel back on, lowered the car to the ground, put her in reverse (the lowest ratio in the 'box), put my long extension through the mag and tightened it up that way.

Enjoy ...

I'd guess the flywheel access cover is on the geabox casing next to the engine block (where the flywheel is....). Presumably you can the lock the flywheel with some bit of metal (or unobtainable Mazda tool) in the teeth around the edge that the starter gear uses.

Smotter's method sounds interesting, though I did have visions of the extension bar springing off and burying itself in my skull.... Car DIY with old bike helmet on head anyone...???

Good idea that ... I did manage to break a couple of bricks in the process ...

Just managed to finish the whole job (well, last night). Had to make a special tool to take the big bolt off. Not an easy job!!!!

Well done lad - any chance of a pic of your special tool ????? (I'm running out of bricks )

I'm not sure you should be asking for a picture of someone's "special tool" on [u]this[/u] site....

:lol::lol::lol:

Don't talk smut !!!! It's all in your mind, you know .....

Ah, so many things are in the mind. Like Jessica Alba or Britney Spears (or both) lounging on the bonnet of an RX-8.

Ho hum, must go. Another planetary system awaits conquest.....