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MG MGA - trying to turn engine over by hand

Does anyone have ideas on how to get a socket on the damper pulley (MGB harmonic balancer type)? I want to turn the engine over by hand to set valves. The engine has not run since I rebuilt it last year, but I was able to turn it over 400 revolutions at that time with a socket and standard 14" long Craftsman breaker bar. Can't get it to turn using the starting hand crank, seems like it doesn't have enough leverage on a new engine, or maybe I'm just not strong enough to use it!

Thanks!
George G.

Put it in fourth gear and push the car.
Dave O'Neill 2

Just jog the starter with car in neutral and plugs out. Use a piece of paper to record what rocker arm is fully depressed - opposing rocker (rocker positions add to 9) will have clearance - set clearance. Saves alot of mucking around pushing the car back and forth or fiddling with a cramk handle.
Mike
Mike Ellsmore

As I have a different pulley bolt (there's not room for the standard one with the Judson pulleys fitted) I cannot use the crank handle. Instead I use a socket on the head of the bolt, and socket extensions in a line coming out of the crank handle hole in the bumper. Then I attach an old torque wrench and have minimal effort and maximum control as I turn over the engine to set the valves.
dominic clancy

On cars with no crank handle, I have been able to pull the engine round by tugging on the fan belt. Make sure that the ignition is off!
Dan Smithers

Dominic, I have considered that approach, I would have to modify a standard socket as it is too long and interfers with the steering rack housing. Probably not too hard to do, another "special tool" in my tool box!
George G.

Ah, the devil is in the detail. I forget that on my car the rack is moved about an inch forward to clear the extra pulleys as the engine moves forwards on the mounts under heavy braking. With the standard dog nut and rack in standard position it is probably tight for getting a long socket and extension on, it's a bit tight even on my car.
dominic clancy

Taking the plugs out might help make it turn easier whatever method you use.
Keith Lowman

This thread was discussed between 03/11/2014 and 17/11/2014

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