Message text written by "Graham Stretch"
>Hi Clark
The only time I ever tried to use a crank handle the damn motor kicked back
and left me with strained joints all over, and yes I was holding the handle
without my thumbs round it, thumb alongside index finger so I didn't get my
thumbs broke!
<
After a bit of reflection I have come to the conclusion that the "thumb
rule" is only a part of it and not the most important part. More critical
to safe usage of the hand crank is to always pull and never push the crank.
If you pull the crank and the engine kicks back it will pull the crank out
of your hand. If the kick occurs when you are pushing it will toss you
into the shrubs. If you are lucky.
Another caution is to keep your legs clear of the crank handle "circle"
least it kicks back and breaks your leg.
A third tip is to retard the timing. I'm inclined to believe that is the
function of the slot in the clamp plate on the distributor. If you set the
clamp plate in the most advanced position and then set your timing, then
loosening the bolt and rotating the distributor will retard the timing
until the car starts at which point you can advance the distributor to the
stop and return to the previous timing setting.
I have yet to perform the last step but I have hand started my TR3 on many
occasions. Why? Because I can.
Dave
|