Clockwise or Counter-clockwise?

[3D914]

Well, I just compeleted the valve adjustment on my 74 2.0L, and I pulled the engine off the stand and onto the dolly. Hopefully the engine will be in the car before the week is over.

But. While preparing for the valve adjustment, I reviewed two texts - Tom Wilson's book on Air-Cooled Rebuilds (which has been quite complete) & the good-ole Clymer Manual (not my favorite). They use two different procedures for the valve adjustment. Wilson's book goes from Piston #1 to #4, then #3, then #2 - which indicates to me that the crankshaft is being rotated clockwise (the book doesn't say - or I missed it).
The Clymer manual goes from #1, to #2, to 3#, then #4, rotating the crankshaft Counter-Clockwise (as documented). This is the techinque I used, and all went well.

Now for the nagging question. I was able to easily rotate the crankshaft counter-clockwise with a ratchet on the fan hub bolt, and used this method to set all the valves, but I had difficulty when trying to go clockwise. The engine would turn easily up to a point. What gives, or doesn't give in this case?

I may be over-reacting, but I don't want to get this thing in the car, only to find out I made some oversight.

Thanks for any insights.

Regards,


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Gerard
74-914 2.0L
3D914
rodrigos6@juno.com

[bowlsby]

CW, CCW...its all too confusing...how do you know which way is which, say, CW without a reference? While looking at the front of the engine (looking backwards in the 914), is opposite from looking at the flywheel. The point of reference is everything.

Consider using the fail safe way. Mark the flywheel TDC points 180 degrees apart, and verify the dizzy locations, whichever spark plug wire tower is at TDC point is the one to adjust.

Note that 1-2-3-4 is the reverse of 1-4-3-2.

[3D914]

bowlsby,

Thanks for the feedback. I realized later that some might not assume that since I mentioned rotating the crank using the fan hub bolt that I was positioned at the front of the engine looking over it. Also I forgot to mention that I had the spark plugs out at the time. But my real concern is for the following:

I was able to easily rotate the crankshaft counter-clockwise with a ratchet on the fan hub bolt, and used this method to set all the valves, but I had difficulty when trying to go clockwise. The engine would turn easily up to a point. What gives, or doesn't give in is case? Should there be a difference?

Thanks again,


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Gerard
74-914 2.0L
3D914
rodrigos6@juno.com