How do I turn crankshaft?
4 Answers
Goodwrench707 answered 11 years ago
(1.) You could disconnect the coil wire, and tap the starter with the key. (2.) Or, you could put a socket on the center bolt of the lower crank pulley. Pull the spark plugs out, it will be much easier to turn. Make sure disconnect the negative battery cable, so nobody tries to crank the engine when you are under the hood.
If you use the second suggestion above, you can use a large breaker bar and not have to remove the plugs, although that would eliminate compression and make it easier to turn. It is difficult, but it can be done without harm.
Yes, there is more than one way to skin a cat but the safest, easiest and proper way to turn over the engine is to 1) remove all the plugs, 2) disconnect the positive terminal on the battery, 3) with a 1/2" breaker bar, and proper size socket on the crankshaft nut, rotate the engine clockwise. If this does not turn the engine over, you may have a frozen engine, broken rings or a number of other problems. It should turn over with a minimum of effort. If the car has been sitting for several months, you might want to pour about a teaspoon of Marvel Mystery Oil down each plug hole.