Advice please on turning engine over by hand, Plus 2S

[Glenn M]

Hello from the states.
Looking for advice on the easiest way to turn the engine over by hand and the required tools, need to see if it is locked up.Plus 2S has been sitting garaged in a dry climate for decades.

I don't think the current owner has any automotive experience so he would have to be walked through the procedure.

Owner has access to the crank bolt from underneath the car, car is on a 4-post lift. Another non-running car is underneath but could be rolled out some to gain access.

My understanding is the crank bolt is 5/8"?
Will a 1/2" ratchet or torque wrench and 5/8" socket fit on the crank bolt?
How much room is there for the socket and ratchet? Standard depth socket or deep required?

Also not sure what tools are even available.

Unfortunately I'm 1700 miles away and can't see the car myself.
I would pull the plugs first and pour a little oil or ATF in each cylinder but I do not think this would be possible.

If we can get to the point where the proper tools are on hand I wanted to also verify that the engine should be over in the clockwise direction.

Appreciate any experience and advice in advance.

Happy Holidays!

Cheers,
Glenn
Maryland

[mbell]

There not much room between pulley and chassis cross member. I always use a standard 5/8" spanner/wrench from on top. If coming from under space might be easier or not.

I've also used a rachet and longer extension to come through from the nose, between the radiator and body. Again accessed from the top side.

[john.p.clegg]

You could put it in gear and lift a rear corner, turn the roadwheel..

John

P.S. small scissor jack or trolley jack and a length of 4 x 2.

[billwill]

I'm pretty sure that you need to turn the main crank pulley ANTI-CLOCKwise when viewed from the front,
But I'm, not quite sure so don't take that as gospel.

[elans3]

No ! Clockwise. Same way as the engine turns when running !

[h20hamelan]

Spark plugs out, add some automatic transmission fluid to cylinders
Let sit a few days
Turn engine Clockwise, or in reverse gear and push car backwards, then 1st and forward

[quaybook]

Hi
On my S2, if I remove the radiator grill I can get a 5/8" socket on an extension under the radiator and onto the crankshaft pulley nut. I have found it easier to do it this way than with a spanner on the nut from sbove, when there is a risk of pressing your hand on the radiator foils and flattening them.
Hope it goes well.
Vernon

[RogerFrench]

Given the large and scattered readership of this forum, it might be worth asking if a competent reader could go to look at the car.
Just a thought.....

[rgh0]

Generally not enough room to fit a standard 1/2 inch sock and handle between the pulley and radiator with the engine and radiator in their standard positions and made more difficult if you have an engine driven fan still.

A standard ring spanner will normally fit but comes very close to the radiator and as observed you need to be careful to avoid damaging the fins and its hard to grip the spanner and turn the engine due to this limited clearance.

Sometime back there was a post around this and an extra long ring spanner from Snap On was suggested as this was long enough to come up above the top of the radiator and this made turning the engine much easier. I am sure if you search the web you can find a suitable long ring spanner cheaper than Snap On for just using on this particular task.... which this discussion reminds me I should do
after cutting my knuckles on the radiator fins for 40 years

cheers
Rohan

[Glenn M]

Appreciate all of the replies!
I was hoping it would be an easier task to determine if the engine would turn over.
The Plus 2S is in Colorado and on a lift with another non-running car underneath.

The car has not run in over 35 years.
I've always been interested in the Plus 2's, this car looks to be very original.
I have collected numerous books on Elan's over the years.

I spoke to another forum member who lives a good 45 minutes away and did offer to look at the car.
Between my indecision and the holidays I did not want to commit him to look at the car for me.

Condition of all of the various systems are a complete unknown.
The amount of time and money to bring this car back on the road is a huge unknown.
I've spent countless hours on the forum, and have learned a lot.
I have gone to many of the suppliers websites to look a parts availability and pricing.

I have have the skills to rebuild or replace much of the car, time is the problem.

My 71 Stag is down for a transmission rebuild and I need to finish rebuilding the overdrive then reinstall it all.

74 GTV was down for a water pump which I replaced but then have been working on years of deferred maintenance from previous owners, cleaning the engine compartment, taking care of any surface rust, cleaning, troubleshooting and repairing of the electrical systems and gauges, and interior work. Still have all of the suspension to rebuild but I do have all of the parts! Everything takes longer than expected!
Darn get in the way too!

I have come to the conclusion that if a Plus 2 is in my future I need to start with a daily driver.
The more I read about the Zetec modified cars the more I like.
RHD does not bother me, I have done two 10 Country Runs with the UK Triumph club.
Maybe it also has to do with turning 60 this month and the thought a modern drivetrain has an appeal.

I'm honored to have Rohan reply and have read many of his posts or replies to post, appreciate his knowledge, experience, and words of wisdom.

Happy Holiday's and be safe!

Cheers,
Glenn
Maryland

[gjz30075]

If they have access to opening the door, make sure to put it in neutral, or else they may confuse
engine being locked up with trying to move the car.

[billwill]

Before trying to rotate the engine, I would suggest taking the radiator out first. You are going to need to do that anyway.

Then you will have plenty of room to get at the front of the crankshaft.

[2cams70]

If it's really stuck don't keep wrenching on the crankshaft bolt or you'll over torque it and possibly snap it off.
Put some Diesel down each spark plug hole and let it soak for a couple of days to try and loosen things up. If that fails it's a cylinder head off (at least) job. Make sure transmission is in neutral of course.