Crankshaft question

JasonNC
JasonNC Expert Adviser
edited November -1 in HUDSON
What tool is normally used to turn the crankshaft without taking the radiator off? I purchased a socket, but it is so deep that I can't get a rachet on the crank nut without hitting the radiator. I keep thinking that I'm missing something.

Comments

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    JasonNC wrote:
    What tool is normally used to turn the crankshaft without taking the radiator off? I purchased a socket, but it is so deep that I can't get a rachet on the crank nut without hitting the radiator. I keep thinking that I'm missing something.

    Others will have thier favorites, I use a box end wrench that has a slight bend on the end. Using it from below I can easily turn the crankshaft using the harmonic balancer nut.
  • Geoff
    Geoff Senior Contributor
    If you are wanting to turn the crank to adjust tappets its' more convenient to wire up a push-button switch, one side to battery, the other side to the solenoid. You can then bump the engine over on the starter by momentarily pushing the switch.
  • JasonNC
    JasonNC Expert Adviser
    Others will have thier favorites, I use a box end wrench that has a slight bend on the end. Using it from below I can easily turn the crankshaft using the harmonic balancer nut.[/quote]

    It's too cold to walk down to the garage to see what size that nut is. What size box end wrench is needed?
  • Lee ODell
    Lee ODell Senior Contributor
    edited January 2012
    Since you bought a socket specifically for this job you might use a grinder or sander to shorten the socket. Sometimes we modify tools for a particular job and find out it becomes useful for other jobs too. Box end wrench, open end wrench, adjustable wrench work as well.

    Crank bolt 1 1/2 inches for stepdown.

    I like Geoff's suggestion also.

    Have a good day.
    Lee O'Dell
  • MikeWA
    MikeWA Senior Contributor
    I think I used an 18 inch Crescent wrench- normally, not a big Crescent wrench fan, but when they're that big, and not trying to get final tightness on a bolt, there really isn't any way to round off a bolt head. And handle is long enough to get good leverage.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    If you are working under the car you can remove the clutch cover and turn the flywheel. There is a tool for this which engages the ring gear teeth. When adjusting the valves I use a remote starter switch as Geoff stated. Norm
  • JasonNC
    JasonNC Expert Adviser
    herm wrote:
    If you are working under the car you can remove the clutch cover and turn the flywheel. There is a tool for this which engages the ring gear teeth. When adjusting the valves I use a remote starter switch as Geoff stated. Norm

    I have the tool that you use to turn the flywheel but I prefer not having to crawl under the car to use it. I have an a spare starter button that I could hook up the way that Geoff suggested. My question is how do you make the valves stop just when you want them to, especially if one is using the method you described to me about watching the valve movement on number six when setting the tappets for number one.
  • Geoff
    Geoff Senior Contributor
    I have the tool that you use to turn the flywheel but I prefer not having to crawl under the car to use it. I have an a spare starter button that I could hook up the way that Geoff suggested. My question is how do you make the valves stop just when you want them to, especially if one is using the method you described to me about watching the valve movement on number six when setting the tappets for number one.[/quote]

    Leave the spark plugs in so you are working against compression otherwise the motor will spin too freely to stop where you want it to. Just a very momentary flick down of the switch will be enough to turn the motor just a bit at a time.
    Start with no. 1 valve up. Off the top of my head I can't remember the intake valve that will also be up, but you adjust the opposite valves in the other end of the motor, then bump the starter over and watch Exhaust valve No. 5 come up and stop as it apexes. Adjust the opposite valves, and carry on until No. 1 comes up again, remembering the firing order of 153624
  • jjbubaboy
    jjbubaboy Senior Contributor
    Hi,
    I am not sure what size that particular nut would be. On my 36T I went and bought a double ended box end trailer hitch ball wrench. Works great and is the correct size, and very econimical!
    Jeff
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