http://altaminiperformance.com/produ...er/PULLER.html

I noticed they have a new puller tool. Looks like you might be able to remove the pulley without jacking the engine. Anyone know if this is true?

 

$200 seems a bit steep for the puller considering I got my pulley with installation for $280

 

Where did you get it done for $280 installed? Randy is cheaper than most at $400 installed. Most that I have checked with (such as Perfect Power) is $350 labor, plus the cost of the pulley.

If this works without the engine lifting- it's a deal!

S

 

My bad... I got it for $380 from Helix Minisports. Dunno why I thought $280. At 29, my memory shouldn't be going yet!

 

That looks pretty slick. I'm having a hard time visualizing how it works though.

 

We had one in to see what the buzz was and that thing is a serious work of art/machine and everything else. It's nearly bullet proof. There are two sections. One is a clamp that looks like most clamps on the market for the MINI pulley (clamshell style) and then there is a second plate that has holes/bolts that attach to the clamshell (face to face), then there is a center hole that allows a bolt to be threaded in through both to the supercharger shaft. This basically like a claw foot that is built into the tool. There is also a large tool that allows one to turn the whole assembly using the three bolts and the center bolts to act as a pivot. It seams to be for holding the assembly while turning the center bolt which backs the pulley off the shaft. It it totally well done, perhaps triple (or quadruple) over engineered, super thick (1/2"-5/8&quot plates that are so overkill, but it' not the material cost that makes the price. It's the laser cutting, threading, and stuff.

It is most suited for a professional shop who does dozens of installs. For the one time user it way more than you will ever need unless you like to have super high quality stuff sitting in your tool box. It would pay off in it's first use though, and could easily be used by a MINI club for many installs should a club want to purchase one and loan it out to the members of the club.

 

This is an interesting tool. If someone were to buy this tool would they still need something to manipulate the belt tensioner. I only ask because my MINI is somewhere between Southhampton and the US and I can't go look. :smile: Is there room to remove the belt/tension without raising the engine? Thx

 

You can get the tensioner tool from MINI for about $50. No need to jack up the engine to use it.

 

I would like to see that tool in action, as the working area is so tight that it would be a very difficult job, even with the belt tensioner tool as well. Not sure how you could hold tension, or use the screwdriver trick, and still have room to use that removal tool.

As for the tensioner, mine attacked me last night when I was changing the pulley. It was the MINI dealership tool, and the first use it broke at the "L" joint under load. Pretty much tossed me into a wall as it let go. Turns out the tool had very few welds, placing all the stress on the semi-circle joint piece. Had to weld it back together and include a crossbar brace. Annoying that a MINI sourced part is of such low quality.

Anyone else find that swapping belts is easier from underneath?

 

This one looks nice and simple. Take off your belt. Assemble pulley puller on pulley. Tighten down on the screw that's in the center. Your pulley pops off in the puller. Repeat until you've run out of pulleys to pull.

 

Price of the tool doesn't matter. I think it's still cheaper than the P&D everyone is using. Randy loans out his tool for free but what I really wanted to know is if he loaned this tool out could it be used to replace the pulley without lifting the engine. Nothing hard about doing that job, I think with the belt tentioning too anyone could probably do it. Heck Randy could spend more time at home and rent out tools instead. Even though I already jacked my engine and installed my pulley myself I'd have paid to rent this tool along with the belt tentioner tool to do my pulley myself. This could change pulley parties forever.

 

OK spoke with Alta myself, you still have to jack up the engine to use this tool.

 

well it was hopeful to install the pulley without jacking up the engine. How hard is the pulley install? I am a bit of a rookie... Any thoughts?

 

Skoobeedu, it's not an impossible job, if you have the tools and reasonable mechanical skills. With a proper puller, belt tensioner (not mandatory, pry bars work as well), a floor jack, and a good selection of hand tools, it is a 2-3 hour job the first time.

Check out the install How-To: Pulley Install 2

 

If anyone is interested in renting the pulley tools, we have that option:

http://outmotoring.com/supercharger_...it_rental.html


Sure beats the $$$ to have the pulley installed for you!