QuestionQUESTION: How do you manually turn the motor of a 1976 MG Midget 1500cc? I have read that I should use a wrench to turn the crankshaft bolt. Is the correct bolt to 'crank' on obvious? What is the best way to access the crankshaft bolt to get any leverage? I assume I should remove spark plugs, make sure car is in neutral, and rotate the bolt in a clockwise direction. Do I have to worry about loosening anything by mistake? The car has no tires/wheels on it, so rolling it to move the crankshaft is not an option.
Thanks in advance for any help. This sight has some great info!
ANSWER: Hi Jas,
With the plugs out, the crank should be easy to rotate. Just put a socket on the crankshaft bolt and rotate the crank. With the plugs out you do not need to worry about the bolt coming loose, so you can turn it in either direction to get the crank where you want it.
Howard
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QUESTION: Thanks for the reply. I squirted Marvel Mystery oil into the cylinders yesterday, and I am ready to rotate the motor for the first time in more than 15 years -- exciting!
The crankshaft bolt is huge! Do you know what size socket I need? It's a 1976 1500cc US-spec Midget.
AnswerAnother method of turning the engine over manually is to put the car in 4th gear with the brake off and just push on the top of the front tire. If the motor is stuck from being stored for 15 years, get two people to rock the car back and forth in gear, plugs out. I have got many to break loose that way.
Howard
