how to turn the engine over to set valve clearances

**rfurzer** · 16th August 2017, 12:20 PM

I'm about to do the valve clearances. My previous experience has been with petrol engines in which it is straightforward to turn the engine over with a socket on the crankshaft nose with the plugs out.

What is the best way with a diesel?

**Vern** · 16th August 2017, 12:21 PM

Same

**BadCo.** · 16th August 2017, 12:34 PM

I had trouble with the fan shroud or something in the way. So instead rocked the truck back and forth with the glow plugs out and in gear.

**JDNSW** · 16th August 2017, 12:40 PM

Basically the same, but you will have to be patient and keep pressure on the spanner while you wait for compression to bleed off. It can actually be turned by the fan provided you are patient and the belt is tight enough.

Another issue is that the hex on the bolt holding the crankshaft pulley is rather large, and you may have issues getting a spanner on it as it is fairly close to the cross member.

**67hardtop** · 16th August 2017, 03:19 PM

If u take out the glow plugs u can turn the motor over easier albeit slowly as the compression comes out the glowplug holes.

Cheers Rod

**Bearman** · 16th August 2017, 06:05 PM

Originally Posted by JDNSW

Basically the same, but you will have to be patient and keep pressure on the spanner while you wait for compression to bleed off. It can actually be turned by the fan provided you are patient and the belt is tight enough.

Another issue is that the hex on the bolt holding the crankshaft pulley is rather large, and you may have issues getting a spanner on it as it is fairly close to the cross member.

42mm is the socket size

**Dervish** · 16th August 2017, 07:32 PM

Originally Posted by Bearman

42mm is the socket size

I thought it was 41mm?

**JDNSW** · 16th August 2017, 07:59 PM

I can't remember - and it is cold and dark out there!

**Bearman** · 16th August 2017, 08:12 PM

Originally Posted by Dervish

I thought it was 41mm?

I'll check in the morning - you could be right. My memory ain't what it used to be

**jboot51** · 17th August 2017, 05:28 AM

I do not know if this will work for you but.....
with my 300 tdi defender I put it in 5th gear and jack the front left wheel off the ground..
Turn the wheel by hand whilst watching the rockers.

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