59a/b engine crank bolt question
 

I would like to establish oil pressure in the engine before starting that has set for many years...I have no battery or starter installed at the present time.
My questions are these......with the spark plugs removed would I be able to turn the engine over using an impact socket on the crank shaft nut to try to test oil pressure ?????
Or would the impact wrench distroy the threads on crankshaft snout ?????

Re: 59a/b engine crank bolt question
 

Since you have to have a battery and starter anyway to start it, go get them and don't have voltage to the coil when cranking it over (so if you forget you don't toast the coil and points) and of course have the plugs out.

Re: 59a/b engine crank bolt question
 

on model Ts we do it with a LARGE old time drill, like a 5/8 slow rpm job. ya know, the ones that will break your arm before they stop. impact gun will cause some damage i would guess

Re: 59a/b engine crank bolt question
 

I've turned them by hand, with my 3/4" drive ratchet set, with enough speed to get a slight indication on a mechanical op gauge, letting me know I was getting oil flow/pressure through the system.

Re: 59a/b engine crank bolt question
 

I confess that I have resorted to the impact wrench to get the nut off, but never to put it on. I have been told that kind of shock input is not great for the rod bearings that absorb the load. Kind of like the damage that pre-ignition can do to the bottom end.

You are going to need a starter and battery eventually; why not now?

Re: 59a/b engine crank bolt question
 

I twisted the snout off a lawnmower engine once with an impact, so I don't think I would try it in a flathead. Do you have the original hand crank? You could try that.

Re: 59a/b engine crank bolt question
 

I would suggest not using an impact.

Re: 59a/b engine crank bolt question
 

Why not put the original hand crank ratchet back on it and use the original crank?

Someday I'm going to try to start my pickup using the hand crank just to see if I can.

Re: 59a/b engine crank bolt question
 

Have some patience. The starter is best for that type of thing. Shocking the hell out of the rotating components could cause damage before the oil starts to flow in there. It will take a while to get some pressure up at low rpm but it should at least give a small pressure indication after a bit of starter cranking.

Re: 59a/b engine crank bolt question
 

Thanks to all....I will not use an impact wrench....I will buy a battery to crank engine over.

Re: 59a/b engine crank bolt question
 

I started my 1940 Ford truck last Spring for the first time in about 35 years. After it had run several times and started easily, I tried starting it with the hand crank. To my surprise it, easily started right up with about 1/4 turn.

Re: 59a/b engine crank bolt question
 

Prime with oil by removing oil sending unit .

Re: 59a/b engine crank bolt question
 

I use an inline fuel pump to and route it through the fuel gauge fitting like the previous poster.