special tool alternatives?

[chitown]

I was looking for the tool that holds the crank in place at top dead center.  The factory tool costs a little over 500.00.  Is there any companys that make tools like this.  I did a search but couldnt find anything. was hopeing I just didnt look in the right spots

[BerettaMato]

I would like to know as well, maybe a homemade one.

[manwithgun]

what if you just put the bike in gear?

[motoxmann]

what if you just put the bike in gear?

it would depend on why you need to hold the engine at tdc. to tighten the primary drive gear nut, flywheel nut, or clutch nuts, that may or may not work considering the high torque values needed on those nuts. afterall, keep in mind the torque values on those nuts is actually noticeably higher than the actual peak torque output of the motor itsself.

but that said, it's still worth a shot. put it in the highest gear (5th or 6th depending what bike you have) and hold the rear brake tight

[chitown]

I wouldnt do it that way.  I have been a mechanic for to long and I have seen to many make the beast with two backsed jobs because someone just didnt go to the computer, pull the special tool number and go to the shelve which would of taken a hole 5 min or less.  but for something I would only probley use once it would be a waist to spend that much money.  I looked to try to rent it but doesnt seem that anyone rents that tool

[thought]

http://www.ducatitoolrental.com

If you dont need it that often then this is prob your cheapest alternative.

[Howie]

Might help if you told us what you are doing.

[K3V1N]

This place has a cam lock tool. What does a crank tool look like?

http://mbsmfg.com/dutoandac.html

[Slide Panda]

Engine turning tool

http://mbsmfg.com/duentuto.html

[chitown]

I am going to be doing my belts and valve adjustments over the winter, and I know that these tools are not needed for belt replacement, but I purchased the sevice manuel and was going through the procedures that they have and those tools to hold the cams in place and crank at top dead look like they make the job very easy, but for that price I will just do it with alighning the marks or make my own on everything so it goes back togethor correct.  no big deal but I cant beleave the price for that tool

[DTR]

Unless you are removing the flywheel...
The belts and valve clearance measurement and and shim replacement can easily be accomplished without the Ducati tool. An engine turning tool is really helpful. I know some forum members prefer to rotate the engine using the rear wheel, but I've found that cumbersome. As someone else posted, the tools and shims can be easily rented for a reasonable cost.