Thread: Hand cranking a Holden 186

I do it by inserting washers under the exhaust valve rockers (stops them from closing completly) on 3 of the cylinders then leaving the glow plugs on while I crank it over with the hand throttle set.

While Im doing that I have the propane torch heating the inlet manifold.

when it catches on the one cylinder you just pull the wire tabs on the washers to get the valves to operate normally then put the rocker cover back on.

Its no fun but its doable if you have to.

Originally Posted by Lotz-A-Landies

I'm surprised that anyone fitted the cranking dog to the Holden engine in the first place!

Diana

If starting is all that is required, I see your point; however; don't forget that a starting handle is extremely useful when: setting the points; setting the valve clearances; moving an immobilised car short distances (remove the spark plugs and leave in top gear),

Cheers Charlie

I had a crank handle on my old rangie. I never attempted to start it 'tho.
It was very useful for setting the timing.
I even used it to get out of a nasty bog- took out the plugs and wound it out in reverse/ LR.

My Stage 1 series 3 Isuzu has the spot in the grille for the handle. There isnt (of course) the dog on the crank pulley 'tho. That would be interesting to crank start (olympic sport).

Many years ago I had a Suzuki Two Stroke 540cc 4WD and it could be hand started by jacking one rear wheel off the ground and then giving the wheel a flick whilst the vehicle was in top gear. They jump around a bit on the jack, but if you are stuck out in the bush it's better than a long walk home. Wouldn't want the "Worksafe" man looking over your shoulder though.

Mick

Hi Mick,

Someone was telling me more about this technique just the other day. Do you know any more details? You only need one wheel off the ground? I suppose that would depend on your diff. And then it's a quick run around to the clutch before it slips off the jack...

What I really want to know is apart from the obvious safety concern of vehicle slipping off jack or axel stands is it realatively safe?

Originally Posted by reubsrover

Hi Mick,
<snip>
What I really want to know is apart from the obvious safety concern of vehicle slipping off jack or axel stands is it realatively safe?

It's best done with someone in the drivers seat and no it's not safe as you can lose fingers and break arms etc if they get caught by the wheel kicking back or the engine starting with your arms still on the wheel.

It is far better to push start the vehicle.

Originally Posted by Veryan

Ok, dont mean to confuse you even more...but when I was round at Lieutenant Rovers joint, we successfully crank started his S2a...he showed me a trick or two...

1; Give the accelerator a few dabs to get some fresh fuel into the carbie
2; Keep thumbs outside,
3; We did pushed it over, until you could feel it compressing, and then...
4...gave it a good push....

Im sure this would work the same as if you pulled it....

Now...anyone game enough to have tried crank starting a 2.25 Diesel? 23:1 compression ratio??!!! Is there any way of reducing the compression to start one on the handle???

Pushing on a crankhandle is very dangerous, as if the engine kicks, it is almost certain to break bones. If it kicks while pulling, and with the thumb on the same side of the handle as the fingers, it will simply pull out of your hand, at the very worst losing a bit of skin. If pushing, and it kicks, with your arm braced straight and your weight behind it, you can expect that the sudden lack of resistance when your wrist or arm breaks is likely to see your face coming in unpleasantly close contact with the crank handle as you fall forward into it.

The first fifty years or so of motoring, when crank starting was commonplace saw many such incidents, and led to the rule to never push on the crankhandle.

As an aside, the owners manual for the Cadillac V16 of the early thirties allegedly read "A starting handle is not provided, as it is impractical to turn this engine by hand".

Series 3 Landrovers would seem to be among the last production cars to come with a crankhandle, which, as pointed out, are useful for other things than starting.

Having learnt to drive on a Ford T, I was taught crank starting as part of my initial driver education when I was about twelve.

John

Originally Posted by Lotz-A-Landies

It's best done with someone in the drivers seat and no it's not safe as you can lose fingers and break arms etc if they get caught by the wheel kicking back or the engine starting with your arms still on the wheel.

It is far better to push start the vehicle.

Yes I'd think all other options should be exhausted first but stuck somewhere where push starting is impossible (sand) out in the middle of nowhere it'd be nice to be able to get the vehicle going anyway possible.

So if you're stuck in valley (push starting impossible) miles from help, battery's dead, and you need help fast is this your last option to get the car going?