Timing belt change and locking the engine

Hello all,

I'm planning on changing the timing belt on my 2003 Rover 25 (R65 transmission) and in need of a bit of advice:



I don't have a specific flywheel locking tool - how important is this?

I've seen methods of removing the crankshaft pulley that involve putting it in to 5th gear and pressing the brakes, and also using the starter motor to get the bolt off. I've also read that some people jam a screwdriver in the flywheel to lock it. All of these techniques seem straightforward to do (and I've read the various threads on here about how to do it), but what do most people normally go for? What are the risks of the other methods?



Assuming the flywheel is not locked, how do you move the crankshaft to 90 degrees BTDC after the bolt is removed (if the starter motor method is used)? Also, when the timing belt is off, how easy would it be to accidentally move the crankshaft and damage the engine - I assume unless a significant rotation occurs it shouldn't do any damage with the cams locked in their 90 degrees BTDC position?

If it is significantly easier to do with the locking tool I'll get one of ebay as this is a bigger job than I've done before and I'm keen not to break anything irreversibly!



All advice warmly welcomed,

David

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