2a diesel hand crank

hi guys i tried to handcrank my 1972 2a diesel but found that it was too hard to move the crank fast enough to start the engine. did some research and found that it is close to impossible to be done.i know that it will be possible if we attach a decompression mechanism to the engine to relieve the cylinder of the pressure.that will require extensive work.is there a particular nut / bolt i can undo to relive the pressure while i build up momentum on the flywheel?so once its up to speed i tighten the nut and it will start =D.thanks! if not, is there anyother way to start the diesel with the hand crank?perhaps by strength alone

You are joking surely!!!!!!!!!!!! If not you're mad.
What's wrong with the starter???

bump it

If you aint got the battery fully up to the job then tow it. The starting handle on a diesel is just for setting valve clearances and timing. You could try 5 years of super weights in the Gym then have another go.

divie said:

If you aint got the battery fully up to the job then tow it. The starting handle on a diesel is just for setting valve clearances and timing. You could try 5 years of super weights in the Gym then have another go.

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Nice one divie

The OP is a total male chicken.

pmsl....

awesome

You could always take the head off I've heard that gets rid of compression quite nicely

haha guys both the starter and battery works.would just like to be able to hand crank for fun!i will be going to gym and will try again 5 years ltr =D. anyway i found the owners manual http://www.retroanaconda.com/landrover/manuals/2a_owners_manual.pdf on page 107 it says "engine will not crank on handle' . i am not sure if they mean the hand crank at the front.if they do, it is possible that the diesel can be hand cranked, just takes a very strong man.

lol we used to do this at the pub after the sunday off road play sessions.
couple of petrol motors and a diesel, had competions of who could start what on the handle.
all the newbies/drunks that thought they were strong, they'd get the diesel, we'd have the petrols.
no one ever managed the diesel on the handle.

you could always try this way, just don't wrap the rope around your hand

Starting a car with a dead battery with a rope - YouTube

Since I upped compression on mine I can't do it by hand might try this next time....Crank kick-start my Land Rover Series 3 (petrol) - YouTube

I'd probably retard the timing first though...