Hand Cranking the Engine

[ICESKATER1611]

I was told by a friend that prior to me trying to start my 1970 spider that has been sitting since 1981, that i should hand cranck the engine to get the oil moving. i changed the oil today but was unsure what/where/how to hand crank the engine. Two questions. 1. is this truly necessary? 2. if so, how would i hand crank it?

[So Cal Mark]

before I tried to turn it even by hand I'd put some auto trans fluid down each spark plug hole and let it sit for a day. Use a socket on the front crank pulley nut to turn the engine

[majicwrench]

Yup, really need to get some lube into cylinders then let it sit a few days as Mark said. As far as cranking, if you have access to a big socket, that will do it, or you can put it in gear with plugs out and roll it forward. Really no reason you can't just use the starter. Of course the timing belt is very suspect after sitting that long.....l
Keith

[TX82FIAT]

A little trans fluid in each of the cylinder may save your rings. I would not use the starter to try to turn it until you know it can turn by hand. You may want to take a closer look at the fuel system before cranking on the starter since it has been sitting for 32 years.

[ICESKATER1611]

Marvel Mystery Oil work for down the spark plug holes?

[TX82FIAT]

Yes, i think that is one of the intended uses. An engine that sits for a while will naturally have the oil drain down into the pan. The engine then is subject to moisture just like anything else. To much moisture for too long of a period or in a tough enviroment can cause rust inside the engine. If the rust is minimal and you let the mystery oil penetrate for a few days you may be able to turn the crank or (break it free). Alway a good thing when an engine has been sitting. otherwise, you most likely will need to do a rebuild. You may want to give breaking the engine free a few attempts over a few days if it does not turn.

[So Cal Mark]

Marvel Mystery oil will work as will auto trans fluid. The point is that either of them will burn once you try to start it. If you use motor oil it will just foul the spark plugs. Be prepared for lots of exhaust smoke when it finally runs

[cactipus]

Use the starter with the spark plugs removed until the oil pressure light goes out. It is also a good idea to squirt some oil down the spark plug holes to lubricate the bores. Once that's done put the plugs in and start it up. If you have a mechanical fuel pump the fuel will also be up at the carby by now.

Once started there'll be a bit of smoke as that oil is burnt away.

Richard

[vandor]

If it still has the original 1438 engine then there is no crank nut to get a hold of. The front of the pulley has the cover for the centrifugal oil filter. You could crank it with the starter and the plugs out to get oil pressure.
Is the timing belt new? I would not take a chance on a 30 year old belt or tensioner bearing, even for just a test run.