Finally got a stubborn crank bolt out after 3 hours of fighting

Had a 2005 Subaru Outback come in with a seized crank bolt, soaked it in PB for an hour and still thought I'd snap my breaker bar. Broke out the old trick with a socket, a long pipe, and a torch to heat the pulley hub just right. It popped loose with a sound like a gunshot and I nearly jumped out of my coveralls. The customer asked how long it took and I said 'not long' with a straight face. Anyone else got a go-to method for these that beats the torch or impact method?

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valsullivan16d ago

Yeah the torch trick is a lifesaver but that gunshot sound gets me every time. Impact with a good 1/2 drive usually does it for me if I let it hammer for a minute first. Honestly though heat is the answer for anything that's been sitting too long, just gotta be patient with it.