Tips on turning engine over on crank pulley?

[ian_uk1975]

All plugs out and water pump / alt belt off, but the engine is still bloody hard to turn over using a 5/8 socket on a 3/8 drive ratchet wrench on the crank pulley bolt. Also, doesn't help that the crank pulley bolt doesn't protrude much from the pulley, so the socket had a tendency to slip off if you're not careful (and I DON'T want to start rounding-off my crank pulley bolt!)

Any tips/tricks? Is there a special tool?

Cheers,
Ian.

[ianhunter]

Not sure what engine you have, but I needed an 18" breaker bar to turn mine over - no chance with a ratchet!

If you use an extension on the socket, try a block of wood under the extension at exactly the right height to keep the extension perfectly level and lined up - might help prevent jumping off - or a different pulley bolt that you can get on to!

Hope this helps!

Ian

[ian_uk1975]

Originally Posted by ianhunter

Not sure what engine you have, but I needed an 18" breaker bar to turn mine over - no chance with a ratchet!

If you use an extension on the socket, try a block of wood under the extension at exactly the right height to keep the extension perfectly level and lined up - might help prevent jumping off - or a different pulley bolt that you can get on to!

Hope this helps!

Ian

Sorry, should've stated... Chevy 350.

Yours takes an 18" breaker bar even with all the plugs out??

Cheers,
Ian.

[ianhunter]

Ian

Having rebuilt the engine myself, everything was real tight to start with - yes.

I re-checked the tappets after 100 miles or so with the plugs out - could use a ratchet but only by lying under the car, where I could get my legs braced against something! Much easier with a breaker bar when hanging over the wing!

Needs a substantial battery to spin it over too!

Now done 500 miles, engine beginning to feel more free - tickover is better already.

Best regards

Ian

[Clarkson]

Why don't you buy some proper tools and use a large 1/2 ratchet and a 1/2 5/8 socket?? You'll never do it with a 3/8 ratchet.

Did you sort out your overheating issue first??

[dingocooke]

if youre checking tappets, plugs out and socket on long bar on the damper bolt (but get a proper socket set/extension, 3/8 is not up to it and you will end up with skinned fingers at least, or you can pop the starter off and inch it on the ring gear with a flat screwdriver on the starter gear teeth, or pop it in 5th gear on one axle stand (asuming open diff or two if its a pwrlok) and use wheel brace to turn over engine.

[TINKA]

Don't claim to be an expert on Chevy's but last year when Mr Bling had his Harmonic balancer fall off in Belgium, Jez or who ever it was who built it said it was not a good idea to turn the engine over on the crank bolt as it is quite a weak thread . Don't have a go at me just passing on what I heard.

[ian_uk1975]

Originally Posted by Clarkson

Why don't you buy some proper tools and use a large 1/2 ratchet and a 1/2 5/8 socket?? You'll never do it with a 3/8 ratchet.

Did you sort out your overheating issue first??

3/8" sockets ARE proper tools last time I looked. I also have 1/2", but don't have 1/2" drive imperial sockets (something I've been meaning to address with an imperial 1/2" socket rail). I must be Superman, cuz I CAN turn the engine over with the 3/8 wrench (but it ain't easy).

Overheating issue is being addressed... don't think I'd ignore it do you?! Rad sent off for repair.

[ian_uk1975]

Originally Posted by dingocooke

if youre checking tappets, plugs out and socket on long bar on the damper bolt (but get a proper socket set/extension, 3/8 is not up to it and you will end up with skinned fingers at least, or you can pop the starter off and inch it on the ring gear with a flat screwdriver on the starter gear teeth, or pop it in 5th gear on one axle stand (asuming open diff or two if its a pwrlok) and use wheel brace to turn over engine.

Yea, I need to get a 5/8 imperial socket with a 1/2" drive.

Jacking the rear up and turning a rear wheel with the car in 5th isn't a bad idea... cheers.

[ian_uk1975]

Originally Posted by TINKA

Don't claim to be an expert on Chevy's but last year when Mr Bling had his Harmonic balancer fall off in Belgium, Jez or who ever it was who built it said it was not a good idea to turn the engine over on the crank bolt as it is quite a weak thread . Don't have a go at me just passing on what I heard.

Yea, I've read that elsewhere. However, most folks reckon that's rubbish and have never had a problem.