Hand cranking Universal 5432

[mrojec]

My first post... I will be helping a friend get his E35 III ready for launch in June. It's been on a cradle for 3 years. We'd like to hand crank the (compression-released) diesel before attempting to start it. Has anybody had success doing this? It looks like we may have to use the V-belt pulley. There is a splined end on the crankshaft but I've not been able to determine if a female fitting is available for it.
Thanks
Mark

 

[Tin Kicker]

Put it in gear, make sure the fuel is OFF, have one person hold the compression release open, put on a pair of leather gloves, check again that the fuel is OFF, and you ought to be able to turn the drive coupling or prop.

 

[Christian Williams]

Why not just prep the engine as desired and then use the starter motor?

 

[ConchyDug]

A decent sized pipe wrench works on the spline. I mean you're not trying to crank it right? Just turning it to see if it's not seized? I use a 18" pipe wrench for turning the crankshaft for timing valves.

 

[mrojec]

Thanks for that advice. Yes, we just want to be sure the engine isn't seized. I thought about the pipe wrench on the crankshaft but I was worried about chewing it up some. I suppose a rag or inner tube rubber would protect it.

 

[Kenneth K]

I turn my M25 over by hand regularly using the water pump pulley. Takes one hand if your hands are clean, or two if oily, with decompression lever "open."