What's the best way to hand turn the crank in fj80 with 3fe?

[mbclay21]

I'm trying to adjust the valve clearance on my 1992 fj80 with 3fe. I'm having trouble seeing how to turn the crank so that I can get the fly wheel set to TDC. There doesn't appear to be room to get a socket on the front crank bolt (fan and shroud are too close).

To adjust the valve clearance the FSM says to warm up engine so I'm trying to find a fast way to get to TDC before the engine cools off too much.

Any tips/help will be much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[bhmmapping]

I just used the power steering pulley.

 

[mbclay21]

I just used the power steering pulley.

We're you able to turn it by hand, or did you need a belt wrench? We're the plugs in or out? Thanks

 

[bhmmapping]

I was able to turn by hand, 1 plug out. A local club member just went through this and couldn't turn it with one plug out.

 

[powermad]

PS pully while pulling up on the belt. All plugs in.

 

[Springs505]

I will have to try using the PS pulley. I went to do this the other day and found that there is no room to get a socket on the crank pulley without removing many parts first.

 

[powermad]

I didn't fool with the timing mark, no way for me to cram in there to see it without digging out of he bore scope to get a clear shot.
I just barred it over till 1 or 6 was on the rock.
As in if the #6 exhaust (the one with a rotator for a spring retainer) is just closing and the intake is opening. That cylinder is on the rock.
#1, the companion cylinder will be on TDC on the compression stroke.

 

[SUMMIT CRUISERS]

Once you adjust them while the engine is running you will never go back to worrying about if the engine is hot or not.

 

[powermad]

Hey Ron, can I borrow a feeler blade?
Little while later...
Here ya go, um you may need another one now.

 

[mbclay21]

I was able to turn by hand, 1 plug out. A local club member just went through this and couldn't turn it with one plug out.

What did your club member end up doing? I tried it tonight with out pulling any plugs and I wasn't man enough to turn it. I'll try it later with a plug out.

Just to make sure, all I need to do is put the transmission in neutral, right?

 

[powermad]

I had it in park and used a long 3/8" ratchet. Seemed to roll over pretty easy.
Some times I bump the starter to get it moving past the hard spot if it doesn't want to roll.

 

[rkuffel]

I did this last weekend. If you remove the skid plate (4 bolts) you can get better access to the crank bolt from below. I was able to get a crescent wrench (use a good one) on the bolt at a very slight angle. The crank rotated easily with all plugs in.

 

[Alleycats]

I use the power steering pulley also but remove all six plugs and from my position with ratchet on the pulley I can get a sight line on the timing window to watch for TDC.