how to rotate crank/ valve adjust?

Was fiddling with my '85 Carrera (3.2) the other evening & decided to look at the crank pulley for the timing marks in case I wanted to do something crazy like adjust the valves one of these days. Couldn't figure a way to rotate the crank pulley, as you're required to do during an adjustment. How are you guys doing it?
Tried to turn the fan nut, but the belt isn't tight enough to also turn the crank pulley. Because I have A/C, there's a double pulley down there which won't allow me to get a wrench on the pulley bolt. Is a (looks like non-removable) support plate in the way with only about 2" clearance.
Looks to me like I'd have to take the A/C belt off, then get a "strap wrench" hooked onto the A/C pulley, then turn it that way.
What's the deal here? Can't find a damn thing in Bentley's book on how to turn the crank pulley. Thanks.
regards,
jlex.

Remove the spark plugs first.

Kurt V
72 911E

Putting a little pressure on the belt while turning the fan nut works for me, even with the spark plugs in.

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Bill Krause
'79 911SC Euro

On my '72 w/o ac I can get to the nut on the end of the crank and turn it with a wrench.

There wasn't enough room to use a socket, so I just used a regular 12 point wrench. I think it was 19mm.

BTW - the engine turned over much more easily with the spark plugs removed. I needed to use the special socket from the toolkit for the 1 and 6 plugs.

[This message has been edited by cds72911 (edited 05-17-2001).]

Isn't enough room down there for ANY kind of a wrench (unless there's some kind of a weird offset type on the market). Will have to try Bill's suggestion to work it from the fan, but to put pressure on the belt first. Sounds reasonable.
I'm sure you guys are right about the spark plug removal; I've read too many cautions about that, though. Seems if you dislodge any dirt or carbon that seats on the valve, it won't close all the way, then you'll get a bad adjustment.
Will see if I can muscle it with the fan nut again. Thanks, guys.
regards,
jlex.

I did what Bill does. Use a 19mm socket on the pulley nut - or the pulley wrench if you're so inclined - while putting pressure on the fan belt. Turned my engine over just fine, no removal of spark plugs.

It's actually not recommended to remove them since debris from the plug threads or from around it could get into the cylinder and possibly block a valve at some point.

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Mark Szabo
1986 911 Targa 3.2
1987 Escort 5-speed 1.9 RIP
The Porsche Owners Gallery

Your belt may be too loose.

You can loosen the plugs without fully removing them. This will let the pressure bleed out, while preventing unwanted debris from ruining an otherwise great day.

Also, make sure you don't have it in gear. Ask me how I know.

Chuck

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'86 Cab, '77 Targa, Family Truckster

Y'know, Chuck, as I was just playing around that evening (with a beer in one hand), I can't say for sure if it was in gear or not! Duh, maybe I can blame it on the beer... Absolutely will make sure its OUT of gear when I fool with it again! LOL
regards,
jlex.

jlex,

Beer before tuneups is not a great idea!

If you have more than 1/2" 'give' in the fan belt when pushed firmly, then it it too loose! Six shims are needed in the 'pack' total, and all must be either between outer pulley half and fan, or under the concave washer under pulley nut!

With the trans in neutral, it should be easy to turn over the engine by the fan/alternator nut, whether plugs are out or not! If it can't be done, your fan belt is too loose, and your battery will suffer chronic problems as the result!

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Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa

Warren, I've always had a question in the back of my mind about the right amount of tension on the belt. Have never heard it "thrumming" or squealing, so I've always assumed it's good. Have have a fear of over tightening it and ruining the bearings on the alternator.
Will try turning the fan nut again (after checking the gearbox & before the beer) to see if it turns. If not, I'll be tightening the belt!
regards,
jlex.

When I did this a few weeks ago, I noticed something else that also helped - when I put pressure on the belt on the left side of the pully (where it feeds onto the pully), it would continue to slip no matter what. If I put pressure on the right side (where it comes off), it only took a very light pressure and the engine turned easily. I left my spark plugs in.

Warren....if beer is a no-no *before* a tune-up, how about *during* a tune-up?

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Doug
'81 SC Coupe (aka: "Blue Bomber")
Canada West Region PCA
members.home.net/zielke/911SC.htm

I do it the hard way, put it in 4th gear and roll(push) the car forward. Problem is you have to continually put it in nuetral and pull it back and start pushing in gear again, it works, and you get a free work-out. You will need about 3 to 4 feet of space in front of your car and a level surface, garage floor works fine.

Originally posted by jlex:
Was fiddling with my '85 Carrera (3.2) the other evening & decided to look at the crank pulley for the timing marks in case I wanted to do something crazy like adjust the valves one of these days. Couldn't figure a way to rotate the crank pulley, as you're required to do during an adjustment. How are you guys doing it?
Tried to turn the fan nut, but the belt isn't tight enough to also turn the crank pulley. Because I have A/C, there's a double pulley down there which won't allow me to get a wrench on the pulley bolt. Is a (looks like non-removable) support plate in the way with only about 2" clearance.
Looks to me like I'd have to take the A/C belt off, then get a "strap wrench" hooked onto the A/C pulley, then turn it that way.
What's the deal here? Can't find a damn thing in Bentley's book on how to turn the crank pulley. Thanks.
regards,
jlex.

Movin: hey... I'd have to have a LOT of beers to think of doing it that way! Hmmm... maybe the wife would like some exercise!
Slight pressure on the belt works fine for me...good suggesions, guys.
regards,
jlex.

Hello

Just two things.

On ther pulley are 3 marks. One is TDC for 1&4 while the other 2 marks are a bit finer and TDC for the others.

If you have the car on a shop lifter then put in high gear no brake and lift it up.

Now you stand under the car and put a Plywood or use a Hammerhandle between the rear brake caliper and the outher rim so it will block that tire.

If you turn the other tire you will rotate the engine. Finding TDC is very easy underneath. Do it every day and you know exactly where you are.

An other simple way is if the valve is full engaged the other side is near TDC.

Grüsse