crank shaft housing stripped can't align nut to dimple to time car
 

Husband's model a out of time . Purchased a hand crank only to find out the
bolt that turns the crank is stripped and handle slips off. Need to time engine and align nut to dimple with hand crank Needs solutions at wife wants horse but have to sell the model A it needs to run! Rare case of substituting horse for car but according to wife at least this one runs! Need advice ASAP! With 3 burly men(neighbors) got crankshaft to move 2 full revolutions without bolt seating in dimple. What is wrong here?

Re: crank shaft housing stripped can't align nut to dimple to time car
 

If you take the spark plugs out it may allow you to turn the motor over easier and the crank may not slip out of the the nut. If that doesn't work you may be able to turn the crank pulley by hand with the plugs out to time it.

Re: crank shaft housing stripped can't align nut to dimple to time car
 

jack up car and use rear wheel as your crank.

Re: crank shaft housing stripped can't align nut to dimple to time car
 

The nut portion of the fastener which forms the "ratchet-nut" is a 1-1/2" size. You could try a deep socket with a breaker bar to turn the engine in direction of rotation.

Another factor seen on repop crank/lugnut wrenches (and possibly fail on repop nuts) is the straight portion outboard of the pin is a small bit too long resulting in improper engagement with the ratchet nut. You could try cutting off the end to about half of what it is now which will allow full seating.

You can remove the starter and use a large blade screwdriver to "pry" the flywheel ring gear in the direction of rotation.

Joe K

Re: crank shaft housing stripped can't align nut to dimple to time car
 

I have a tool boxes in the front of two of my Model A`s to time them I put the car in third gear and roll the car ahead. that way too, if you past the spot you can back up the car. you will find that you can zero in on the dimple.

Re: crank shaft housing stripped can't align nut to dimple to time car
 

The ratchet nut is 1⅜" but yes you may be able to use a short socket and breaker bar. I have bent several 1⅜" combo wrenches to fit for prizes at our club meetings. Some of the vendors sell a similar wrench.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...7dde30a6_z.jpg

Re: crank shaft housing stripped can't align nut to dimple to time car
 

Do what I do: put the car in high gear with the parking brake off and turn the right front wheel with one hand while feeling with the pin for the dimple with the other hand. If you pull the spark plugs it is easier to turn the engine. No crank needed.

Re: crank shaft housing stripped can't align nut to dimple to time car
 

X2 with ursus

Re: crank shaft housing stripped can't align nut to dimple to time car
 

Heh. I just measured mine AGAIN - and it reads 1-1/2"

I have others but its too far to walk to the top of the barn to see.

Some have said to substitute a V8 ratchet nut in this location "because it's stronger." May I have one of those on this engine?

As you say - there is probably a deep socket or a wrench made in whatever size it may be - even metric (Gaz engine?)

Somebody out there in Model A supply land sells a device which bolts in place of the starter motor - and gives a small crank which can be turned to precisely locate the motor for timing. But I haven't seen this for a while.

Joe K

Re: crank shaft housing stripped can't align nut to dimple to time car
 

There seems to be a multitude of sizes, the ratchet nut on my '31 is 1-1/4"

Re: crank shaft housing stripped can't align nut to dimple to time car
 

Hmmm, seems like a poor trade here! For the Model A, repairs can be improvised or new parts installed. If needed, the A can sit unrepaired for months.
With the horse, a broken leg, twisted gut, etc., means a bullet inserted between the eyes and expensive removal of the resulting carcass (after huge vet bills). I say keep the Model A! It's less expensive and lasts far longer!!

Re: crank shaft housing stripped can't align nut to dimple to time car
 

I think it was Edison who said he was going to make electric light so cheap only the rich would be able to afford to burn candles.

Ford didn't say it, but he definitely made automobile transport so cheap only the rich can ride horses.

Joe K

Re: crank shaft housing stripped can't align nut to dimple to time car
 

Hi thanks for all the advice with 3 burly men managed to get the car to turn with crank now the next problem is the car turned 2 full rotations and the nut failed to seat into the dimple. What next? Why didn't the nut seat into the dimple? Need help! Beginning to think the car is possessed I don't think the car wants to be sold!

Re: crank shaft housing stripped can't align nut to dimple to time car
 

Jack up only one rear wheel, with the plugs removed ant the transmission in 3rd gear, you should e able to easily turn the engine with the rear wheel.


I like to use a wrench on the crank nut, it is much easier to do.


Watch as the piston on #1 cylinder approaches the top of the compression stroke, go slow, the dimple in the timing gear is getting close.


Chris W.

Found center and timed engine still cranking but no spark
 

thank-you fellow ford fans, an update did the centering using spark plug #1 housing and screwdriver to monitor the uplift to center. Husband centered and timed the engine. Engine still cranks but does run. What next?

Re: crank shaft housing stripped can't align nut to dimple to time car
 

meant does not run.

Re: crank shaft housing stripped can't align nut to dimple to time car
 

Sometimes the dimple is not very well defined. Do as CWPASADENA said above and carefully keep pressure on the pin. The dimple is there, you have to find it.

Re: crank shaft housing stripped can't align nut to dimple to time car
 

Grind the pin so there is a point. It helps find the TDC depreciation

Re: crank shaft housing stripped can't align nut to dimple to time car
 

timed car now it still doesn't run. turned key to start with diagnostic light held to coil both ends on coil lit bulb. No bulb light when stuck in output of coil. Thought when key was turned only one side of coil would light bulb. Is the coil which is brand new actually defected? Need help and advice!

Re: crank shaft housing stripped can't align nut to dimple to time car
 

Both sides of the coil will light the bulb if the points are open - or dirty!