Reproduction Parts for 1916-1964 Chevrolet Passenger Cars & 1918-1987 Chevrolet & GMC Trucks


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Oil Can Mechanic
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Has any body ever tried to start their car using the hand crank? I'll have to give the older bunch "Atta Boys"! on that process. My battery was a little low so I thought "Why not start It like my dad did"! After about ten or twenty cranks I gave up and re-charged the battery so I could start the motor. Only when the car was warmed up I tried the hand crank again and it did start on the third crank. I put the hand crank back in the trunk and said It sure looks better in there. What good was the hand crank if it will only start on a warm motor? Maybe it was a visual effect only. Any thoughts?

BTW- The hand crank will damage the grill a little if you don't brace it. I now know the hard way. togo


Ken's 1940 Special Deluxe Sedan
1970 Cadillac Hearse
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I have started several vehicles with the hand crank. There is a trick to it and if not done right can break a thumb.
Tony


1938 1/2 ton Hope to drive it before I retire
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Backyard Mechanic
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After an engine rebuild some years ago, the starter wouldn't turn the tight engine. I used a 3/4 drill motor and a home made crank along with the starter to get it started the first time.


Randy
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I have never started a 1941 with a hand crank. It would be unseemly to do so. The car came with a good strong battery and starter and other superior engineering improvements, unlike its predecessors, as to make such a choice unnecessary. pineapple

1941 owners would rather seek out the high ground and do a rolling start rather than submit to such an embarrassing and ancient method as fumbling with a hand crank. hood Oh, yes!

And, although I don't name my cars, I do, however, treat them as though they are precious and have feelings, also. :luv2 Well,:...even a "Sweetie". (Would somebody please pass me one of them there little airline bags!) greenman
Charlie computer

BTW: I think they made a bracket that would fit on the bumper to give added support for the hand crank for cars prior to 1941. Somebody may know for sure. I suppose that if I had a 1940 or prior year, I might consider getting a piece of rope and just tying the crank in place. Nothing unexpected or downgrading there, I suppose. Especially if your ride was already sporting on of those visors. You know. Agrin

BTW2. I think the proper method in using the hand crank is to not use your thumb on the left side of the handle. Owing to kick-back it may cause you to utter expletives. (Eastern Ed, read "cuss.")

I think this kick-back concern was more frequently experienced and more strongly pronounced in the older four bangers. Also, I suppose that one should make everything as ready as you can, i.e., choke, throttle, gas squirt, compression stroke, etc. This may likely improve the chances of it starting. Good luck.

Last edited by 41specialdeluxe; 01/31/12 09:15 AM.
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The four bangers were much easier to start. Two less cylinders and not as much compression.

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Thanks for the information. I would have thought they would've been more prone to kickback than a six.
Best,
Charlie computer

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Starting cold is not as much of a problem as most anticipate. With ignition off and choke on crank over two or three times. Pull out the throttle knob (or set the lever) to an high idle speed. If there is a Spark lever or knob retard the ignition. Position the crank to where there is strong resistance to turning and the handle is in the ~8 o'clock position. With thumb and fingers all on the right side of the crank pull up hard with also pulling it a little toward you. If everything is okay then the engine will start the first time. If not repeat the entire procedure from the start again. If it has been a long time since the engine was last run it may help to squirt a little gas into the carburetor as modern gas evaporates from the carburetor much more quickly than in the past.

Once started advance the spark and slowly take off the choke keeping the fast idle until the engine runs smoothly with the choke off or nearly so.

The higher compression sixes are a chore to crank start because of the higher turning resistance of the compression. As Charlie advised, push starting is often much easier and friendly. Can be a family event too.


How Sweet the roar of a Chevy four!

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