A holding device (1) for holding a gear (60) stationary relative to an engine block. The device (1) includes a body (2) having a threaded passage extending axially therethrough, a projection (4) extending laterally of the body (2) and adapted to engage a recess (63) between teeth (62) of the gear (60), a hooked portion (3) adapted to (i) extend between the gear (60) and the engine block and (ii) hook behind the teeth (62) of the gear (60), and a jacking screw (5) extending through the threaded passage and rotatable relative to the body (2) such that an end (53) of the jacking screw (5) engages the engine block and moves the hooked portion (3) into firm engagement with the gear (60).