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MG TD TF 1500 - Starting crank handle

Reading about how to set the valves and tappet clearances, I see the method includes using your starting crank handle to turn the engine over. However, I don't have one.
Question 1) Is there something I can make up and use that will do the trick, any suggestions?
Question 2) Other easy ways to turn the engine in very small amounts?
Question 3) Anybody got a spare for sale?
Thanks!
Geoffrey M Baker

With the plugs out and in 4 gear you can bump it to where it's needed.
Also you can push on the belt with one hand to tighten it and rotate it with the fan blades.
Be certain to rotate it only in a clockwise rotation so as to keep tauntness in the timing chain.
Sandy
ss sanders

the pushing on the belt didn't work for me, Sandy; but I was able to find a piece of long square steel tubing about 3/8 in a side, drill a hole at one end, run a bolt through, and use that with a big crescent wrench to turn it. No problem! Guess I'd better put an original crank handle on my wish list.
Geoffrey M Baker

Geoff, the thing that holds on the crank pulley, into which the starting handle fits, is called a dog nut. As such it is really a six-sided nut. My memory (HAH) wants to tell me that it takes a 5/8W socket. That socket, on a 1/2" drive ratchet, works great to rotate the engine. Bud
Bud Krueger

Thanks Bud, I'll try that; even better!
Geoffrey M Baker

Sorry bud, but your memory is playing tricks. It's a one and one sixteenths nut, and my 3/4 socket, on a 1/2 adapter with thirty inches of 1/2 steel square tube stock, fits it just beautifully with the crescent wrench to turn it.
Now I have the right tool :)
Geoffrey M Baker

Geoff, that 5/8W is a Whitworth size. You might want to see http://www.ttalk.info/wrench_size.htm another great bit of info from David DuBois. Bud
Bud Krueger

Whitworth. Never made much sense to me :)
Geoffrey M Baker

Thanks for the great info, Bud... I owe you a beer...
Geoffrey M Baker

Whitworth wrenches are sized for the diameter of the bolt. A 5/16W wrench fits a 5/16 (dia.) bolt.
David.
D. Sander

I don't know if you have heard of the "rule of 8" for setting the tappets. Turn the engine over (when you have obtained the correct spanner!) so number 1 and 7 rockers are fully open and set the gaps. Then 2 and 6, 3 and 5 etc.

Jan T
J Targosz

Geoffrey the alternative to Q3 above is to make one. If you know someone with a lathe & care to spend about $30 on some brass tube, brass rod & some medium tensile steel, you can have two! Cheers
Peter TD 5801

P Hehir

Geoffrey, since this will be an annual event, have you considered purchasing a starting crank on eBay? or abingdon spares? Regards, tom
tm peterson

Peter, I have a lathe. Can you supply me some dimensions? Tube steel diameter (I'm guessing 1/2 in), length, length of right angle turn? Dimension/length of the two dog teeth? (if that's the right word)?
Geoffrey M Baker

Geoffrey,

Not sure if you have ever done this before but -

Should you go ahead and make the crank or buy one,
and should you want to impress the neighbors and use it to start the Car :)

Remember first to make sure it is in neutral and the hand brake is on. Also keep your thumb to the same side of the handle as your fingers. It will do a number on your thumb if you don't - should it kick back.

Rod.
R D Jones

I just use the starter remote switch. It has the little peg sticking out the back side. With the car in neutral and the ignition off (starter still works), I press the peg till the engine rolls over to the next valve cycle and adjust the next two valves as Jan T outlines above. I find it to be quite efficient. There's no need to leave the side of the car or push it all over the place in 4th.

Alex
Alex Waugh

Rod, thanks for the warning... I was thinking I would need to know how to crank start the engine some day when I have a crank... I'll keep those instructions in mind!
Geoffrey M Baker

I simply place the car on a large flat parking area, put it in 4th gear and pull it forward to get the right position for adjusting valves or setting point gap. Easy to do if the plugs are out.
John Quilter (TD8986)

See the 'Rocker Question' thread that I just reactivated. Dave shows the use of the 'rule-of-nine' to efficiently adjust the rockers. Bud
Bud Krueger

OK Geoffrey. The TD & TF cranks are the same. I borrowed an original owner's TF crank & used that. The steel is medium tensile rod @ 5/8" from memory. What really makes the job is the brass tube & end cap. I'll measure mine up when I get a chance & send you all the details with a few more close up pics. I'm on pjbm(at)bigpond.com Cheers
Peter TD 5801

P Hehir

This thread was discussed between 22/04/2014 and 24/04/2014

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