Cranking Handle

I see on a popular auction site that someone is selling cranking handles for Series Landys. Has anyone ever tried using one, is it safe?

I've still got one in my garage from way back when, never tried using it. I can't imagine hand cranking a diesel is very easy.

Petrol's are OK but it's difficult to start them with a totally flat battery. You need enough charge left to run the ignition. The alternator won't generate current unless there's current flowing in the field coil so it's a bugger to get going without the battery.

It's also handy for turning the engine over with your knee when you've got your head under the bonnet.

oxides said:

Petrol's are OK but it's difficult to start them with a totally flat battery. You need enough charge left to run the ignition. The alternator won't generate current unless there's current flowing in the field coil so it's a bugger to get going without the battery.

Click to expand...

Bring back magneto's, no battery required

I used to crank start my petrol series land rover but never tried a diesel. Im sure if you had enough power for the glow plugs you could crank start it.

Its not safe if vehicle is in gear,I know Ive done it[nearly ran myself over!]

Used to crank the old series one (petrol) Watch out for kick back! and NEVER wrap your thumb round it! They are a useful bit of kit when you want to set TDC etc

Used mine when I had my seris, easy to to, when you know how.

well i have a series 3 2.25 diesel, got the granking handle for bout £15 just to try, and you have to virtually stand on it to get it to crank, but it is handy fo when fitting the fan belt

The battery was always flat in my Petrol SIII. Either that or the starter would stick so my starting handle got quite a lot of use!

It was hard work though and occasionally it just wouldn't start - as already mentioned, if the battery is too low then it just won't go.

It gave peace of mind knowing I had one handy though, even though I never really found anywhere suitable to store it - it just rattled around in the back.

It gave peace of mind knowing I had one handy though, even though I never really found anywhere suitable to store it - it just rattled around in the back.[/quote]

Spring clips behind the seats,stops it getting lost.

lazydog said:

It gave peace of mind knowing I had one handy though, even though I never really found anywhere suitable to store it - it just rattled around in the back.

Click to expand...

Spring clips behind the seats,stops it getting lost.[/quote]

Ahh. But mine was a truck cab - not much room behind the seats!

you could put it other side of bulkhead where the spare is some times if you have room,or you keep it in the back rattlin around

lazydog said:

you could put it other side of bulkhead where the spare is some times if you have room,or you keep it in the back rattlin around

Click to expand...

Sold it now so it's a moot point!

Since removing my starter motor for a clean up and repair, i've been starting mine with the starting handle alot. The best peice of advice I can offer is to pump the fuel pump a couple of times before hand, especially as mine truck has the fault of all fuel in the pipes running back into the tank.

got me out of trouble with my old series when starter failed.
keep your thumb out,like when your offroad in a series(don't wrap it around the handle)if it kicks back it would break your thumb.
turn slowly to find the compression point when the handle is lowest.
pull up never push down(if you push down and it kicks it will hurt your back)
when you pull up do it with commitment to lower the chance of kick.
hope that helps

Ha ha, just been trying mine out....buggered if I could get it to work. Might need to go to the gym first...

I much prefer the key,i must admit i grabbed a rock and tried hitting the starter moter 1st laying in the mud

dominicbeesley said:

Ha ha, just been trying mine out....buggered if I could get it to work. Might need to go to the gym first...

Click to expand...

Don't forget - you need to have the ignition on if it's a petrol!