Crankshaft Removal

[mojobaby]

One of my liners came out relatively easy, but the remaining 3 are tightly corroded in place. I really need to get them out for cleaning and to replace the seals. Pushing or hitting them with a piece of wood doesn't work.
If the crankshaft was out, I would have better access, but that seems like a major job. Or is there an easier way?
From what I can gather from the Heynes manual, to get the timing chain off, one or both sprockets have to be removed with a special puller.
Is that the only way?

 

[malcolm]

Is yours not the 956cc? I think the camshaft sprocket is held by a bolt on those. Early 845cc engines and Alpine engines need a puller but a small hub puller can be used.

 

[mojobaby]

No Malcolm, it's an 845cc, R1123, 800 engine. A bolt would have been nice, but I don't see one. I've just taken a photo, let me know if you thionk a puller will work

 

[harbourseal]

A simple puller with two arms will do the job easily. Face the hooks outward from the centre in the two holes

 

[mojobaby]

Thanks guys, the puller cost 9Euros and the cam sprocket was out in 10 minutes. The puller's centre bolt could have been an inch longer, but I improvised with a large nut and some washers. The crankshaft has also been removed and marks made on the timing chain for when I put it back.