Thread: Crank starting a Defer or Disco deisel from rear wheel

With the assistance of a helper I have crank started a 2.25ltr deisel that had a flattish but not completely dead battery. My assistant turned the key while I swung the crank handle.That was easier than I thought it would be.
They used to crank start 8.4 litre Scammell Pioneer Tank Transporters and Wreckers during the war when replacement batteries and starter motors weren't available. The special crank handle had a large pully bolted to it, on which a pull rope was wrapped around. With one man turning the crank handle and 3 men pulling on the rope they used to get them going, even during cold European winters. Don't know if those old Gardiner engines had decrompression cams though.
Wagoo.

Not sure for transporter motors but the marine motors had individual decompression on each cylinder - one man could hand crank start any of the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 8 cylinder "LW" motors by throwing in one cylinder at a time. Or remove a cylinder head of your choice while running.

As you can imagine - getting back to port is (or was before modern S&R) very important.

Originally Posted by canblogerra

Not sure for transporter motors but the marine motors had individual decompression on each cylinder - one man could hand crank start any of the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 8 cylinder "LW" motors by throwing in one cylinder at a time. Or remove a cylinder head of your choice while running.

As you can imagine - getting back to port is (or was before modern S&R) very important.

Thanks.It would make sense that they would have done the same with the Scammels ...One day i might try to fabricate a steel rocker cover with an eccentric shaft,lever and quick release near the rear wheel to decomp the Isuzu.
Wagoo.

if yovue got a suzi you do it from the front wheel...

permanant 4x4 so it doesnt matter WHICH wheel you choose, bit more important on a series.

Originally Posted by Blknight.aus

if yovue got a suzi you do it from the front wheel...

permanant 4x4 so it doesnt matter WHICH wheel you choose, bit more important on a series.

That would probably be ok with a steering lock.Hybrid doesn't have one. When I had a tentative try the wheel just swung over to left lock. Besides, there is more clearance between tyre, skin and bodywork at the back.
Wagoo.