This week's mystery object...

[JimK]

OK, what is this:
Clicky

I think it might be what the crank handle is supposed to engage in, but when I look through the hole in the bumper there's already a bolt where this object might go.

If I undo the bolt that's there can I just replace it with the mystery object? What is going to fall apart if I remove the bolt in what I think is the crank pulley?

This is aimed at being able to turn the engine slowly to check the points. Ta for help.

[chickenjohn]

Yes it is what you say it is. Its known as a crank pully bolt, at least thats what this parts supplier calls it.

[Rob_Jennings]

Correct, this is a starting handle dog.

To put it in you will need to slacken off the fan belt remove the bolt holding the lower pully, replace with this and tighen the belt back up.

[JimK]

Since I assume it's not going to foul anything, is there any reason to take it off again?

[chickenjohn]

You might need to lock the engine, or attempting to undo the bolt will turn the crank shaft over (in the reverse direction!)

[Rob_Jennings]

none at all, you can keep it on.

They are often not fitted to 1300 engines as some of the cars that carried them had no place to put a starting handle in.

[JimK]

Aaaah, thanks. I'll put it on and leave it there.

chickenjohn, I assume I can just put it in gear?

[chickenjohn]

If you just want to turn the engine over then just use a socket on a long bar to turn the bolt. Turning it clockwise, will not undo the bolt and will turn the engine over in the "forward" direction.

[chickenjohn]

I'm unsure what you want to do, Jim K, change the bolt for a starting handle dog, to enable handle starting or just turn the engine to set points and valve clearances. You could do the latter with an appropriate size socket and a long bar through the bumper hole.

OTOH, being able to start the car on the handle comes in handy sometimes

[JimK]

I want to turn the engine to set the points clearance. The person who told me about doing that talked about using the starting handle, and I didn't know I could use the bolt already there.

I don't think I have a bar long enough, I'll have to check. If I haven't I'll put on the starter bolt. Actually, I might do that anyway...

Thanks.

[Judge]

Actually that's not a bad idea. What about taking a picture of a common Minor part from an odd angle, and asking for guesses as to what it is Keep the old grey matter working

[chickenjohn]

There should just be room between the pully and rad to get a ring spanner on the bolt. (Be careful of the rad!)

You could turn the engine to set the points like this.

Another way to move the points is put the car in 4th gear (not running!), handbrake off, ignition off, obviously and rock the car back and forth till the points open to their maximum.

[RogerRust]

Actually that's not a bad idea. What about taking a picture of a common Minor part from an odd angle, and asking for guesses as to what it is Keep the old grey matter working

Whay did you say thet Bill? I was going to do something like that for the website rally.
Roger

[Judge]

Yes, and the person who guesses right, posts the next picture. In 'Off Topic' ?

[bmcecosse]

The 'bolt' will likely be extremely difficult to undo - for a start there is a lock tab to be undone - so you are looking at radiator out and much contortion. Then you need to hook a socket on it - and rest the torque arm against the chassis rail (it's going to turn clockwise!) - then apply the starter motor to crank the engine. It 'may' come undone - then again you may break the starter !! For points setting - just turn the engine with the fan - plugs out if it's too tight with them in.

[bigginger]

Yes, and the person who guesses right, posts the next picture. In 'Off Topic' ?

See "Mystery object" in Off Topic