Why can you only rotate crank one direction?
I am doing my timing belt, and everyone says not to turn the crank
counter-clockwise. Why? Is this only for interference engines?
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Since you are doing the belt replacement, this will make some sense--
Turning the engine clockwise (when viewed from the front) means that the belt
pulls directly on the cams, through idlers that are in a fixed position. Turning
the engine the opposite way means that the first tension is on the damper. If
the damper collapses much, there will be slack in the belt immediately at the
crank sprocket and at the right camshaft, risking the belt jumping index. If you
have the early car with the square-tooth belt, it's possible to damage the belt
as it rides partially up the cogs on the sprocket. On all cars you'll risk
having the cam out of time.
So with a properly tensioned later-style belt installed with a damper that's in
perfect shape, you probably won't have a problem. But why risk it? You
might just destroy your engine !!
That's my analysis, anyway.
DrBob.
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'89 S4 Auto, black
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my simple answer: Never turn it anti-clockwise!! There is no obvious reason to do so unless you are very lazy and don't want to turn the crank onqother turn or maybe two. You'd rather destroy your engine.... (shame on those that ignore the warning)
ps: if you did turn it backwards, it is hard to verify timing on a interference engine, as you need to bring it back on #1 TDC position, and while doing so you might hit the valves when timing is severely off. So be very VERY careful, and never start the engine before proper verification.
Regards, Theo
1992 Porsche 928 GTS midnight blue