HELP - Engine won't crank clockwise!

[3D914]

While the engine is out of the car, I was able to easily rotate the crankshaft counter-clockwise with a ratchet on the fan hub bolt (front of engine facing back), and used this method to set all the valves, but I had difficulty when trying to go clockwise. The engine would turn slightly up to a point. The plugs we out, so there was no compression. 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. I've already had to halt clutch installation because some !@#$%!@^& piece of felt wasn't in the clutch kit.

Thanks,
(PS: Sorry for the duplicate posting, but I'm getting desperate here, ot that felt thing has just put me over the edge.)


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

[John Rogers]

I would pull the valve covers, loosen all the valve adjusters and then see if it turns the correct way. Then pull the oil pump and see what the front of the cam looks like? Sounds like the cam could be binding? Good luck.

[jabez]

John's got a good point. Did you replace your oil pump with a HD unit? If so, if you didn't clearance the bolts they will contact the back of the oil pump.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Some aftermarket oil pumps also require that about 1mm be ground off the end of the drive tang. I'm not sure how this would cause it to bind in only one direction, though.

But I can't see how anything really would do that.

Wild shot in the dark time, based on my own (painful) experience: Try pulling and pushing the fan fore and aft. If it moves noticeably, you need to stop driving the car, pull the motor, and repeat the check to the flywheel. (This is the "end play" or "end float" of the crankshaft.) More than a few thousandths of an inch is bad--either time to R&R the flywheel and use thicker shims, or time to overhaul the motor and possibly replace the crankcase.

--DD

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Pelican Parts 914 Tech Support

A few pics of my car: http://www.pelicanparts.com/gallery/Dave_Darling

[3D914]

Thanks guys,

Here's one for the books. Although it did not occur to me (obviously), since I did not have the flywheel on (that ^%!$@^$! missing piece of FELT!), there was excessive lateral play in the crank shaft. It would move forward & bind when turning the engine clockwise, but move toward the back and clear when rotated counter-clockwise.

I have since installed the flywheel and clutch assy, and all is well. Engine now turns in both directions, and the end play on the crank is within specs.

Many thanks,


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