Anyone ever hand crank their 85HP Flathead?

[tubman]

At the risk of repeating myself, I had a 1948 Seagrave pumper with a 468 ci Pierce-Arrow derived V12. I used to bet I could crank start it at car shows and always won. I have found that the more cylinders you have, the easier they are to start. A "one-lunger" fires every 720 decrees; a V12 every 60 degrees.

As mentioned above keep your thumb on the same side of the handle as your fingers and you'll be fine.

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by tubman

At the risk of repeating myself, I had a 1948 Seagrave pumper with a 468 ci Pierce-Arrow derived V12. I used to bet I could crank start it at car shows and always won. I have found that the more cylinders you have, the easier they are to start. A "one-lunger" fires every 720 decrees; a V12 every 60 degrees.

As mentioned above keep your thumb on the same side of the handle as your fingers and you'll be fine.

Interesting perspective. Haven't thought of it that way. Makes sense why my father's Gravely Model L's were so darn hard to start in the dead of winter.