Hand Crank?

[Rod L]

Want to ck/set the point gap, but don't have a hand crank (1928 Buick sport roadster). Any suggestions on what might work as a hand crank or where to get one?

 

Rod

[37_Roadmaster_C]

A very basic way to turn the crank is to put the car in the highest gear and rock it by hand. The crank will turn. You may have to juggle back and forth a bit to get to a high lobe, but you can do it.

[Bloo]

For easier rolling, if you want you can take the spark plugs out.

[Hubert_25-25]

Rod, 

    This will get you started.  Can anyone provide the dimensions from a Buick Master Hand crank so that they are available as this question comes up frequently and I will add those dimensions to my drawing.  

Hugh

Edited April 2, 2021 by Hubert_25-25 (see edit history)

[Terry Wiegand]

HUGH IS DA MAN!!  This is exactly what I did when I primed the oil pump on my rebuilt engine (milling the slots in a socket) with that big old drill motor.  This could be done and use a long-handled ratchet wrench to move the crank ever so slightly and slowly.  The crank stub on my engine took a 13/16" deep well socket to do what I needed to do.

 

Terry Wiegand

South Hutchinson, Kansas

[Morgan Wright]

I did the same but I used a Farmall Tractor hand crank and bored it out to 13/16. 

 

But if all you want to do is set the point gap, why not just loosen the distributor and rotate it until the points are on the cam? Then set the points and turn the distributor back to time it.

.

.

Edited April 14, 2021 by Morgan Wright (see edit history)

[Oregon Desert model 45]

I made one from a model T hand crank and an end cut from a stainless shaft. This shaft was work hardened on the outer diameter.  I was able to drill down the center on the lathe and cut the slot using an angle grinder, and then weld both pieces together. 

Kevin 

[Rod L]

Wow!!

Thanks for all the great replies and excellent ideas, Im sure to get her points pointed in the right direction. (pun intended-- sort of).

[Hubert_25-25]

Helping a friend and trying to get some items in place before his car shows up.  Can anyone provide dimensions A, B, C, D for an early Buick 6 or Master hand crank?  Thank you,   Hugh

 

[Brian_Heil]

Get a dwell meter?

[dibarlaw]

Hugh:

 I will go out and measure mine from the 1925 Master.

[dibarlaw]

Hugh:

A=.825

B=.387

C=.650

D= 1.650

 

[Terry Wiegand]

As usual, Brian is right on.  A Dwell Meter is essential equipment for one of these old engines.  Mine is an Actron CP7677.  I ordered it online and I think it was around $45.00 plus the shipping.  The 13/16" milled slotted socket with at least a 12" extension on a long handle ratchet will do a fine job of turning the crank so that the points can be set.  Ask me how I know all of this stuff - I've only done it twice and that's enough.

 

Terry Wiegand

South Hutchinson, Kansas

AACA Life Member #947918

[Marty Roth]

An easier approach...

 

1.     First remove the spark plugs to ease engine rotation

2.     Jack up one rear wheel

3.     Move transmission shift lever into a gear

4.     rotate the raised wheel, or have someone do it for you while you watch for the desired location

Edited May 3, 2022 by Marty Roth (see edit history)

[Hubert_25-25]

Larry, 

   Thank you for the measurements.  I like to have something around for bumping a motor. The hex on the crankshaft is great when you have it.  I like the idea of raising a wheel as well.  I will post some photos when the car is in my garage.  

 

Replacement drawing attached with Larry's dimensions

 

Hugh

Edited May 4, 2022 by Hubert_25-25 (see edit history)

[Rock10]

On 5/3/2022 at 2:36 PM, Marty Roth said:

An easier approach...

 

1.     First remove the spark plugs to ease engine rotation

2.     Jack up one rear wheel

3.     Move transmission shift lever into a gear

4.     rotate the raised wheel, or have someone do it for you while you watch for the desired location

Hey, we tried this today and the wheel would not turn. Tried each side and then both off the ground. That just allowed both rear wheels to turn. What am I missing?

[Oldtech]

Was it in High gear?  you can't turn it in first.

[Rock10]

It was in 1st. Will retry tomorrow in high gear.

Thanks

[Rock10]

Tried today in 3rd. Still won't move. Does it matter which wheel you use?

[Oldtech]

If the engine is recently rebuilt it may be quite stiff and you are still geared up big time just from the diff, so the crank may be the only answer. 

[EmTee]

Remove the sparkplugs?

[Buick Downunder]

You can buy a new crank handle from Phil in Sydney Australia. He makes them in perfect spec for about $195 AUD ($150 US). 
 

Search Vintage Standard Buick Engine Cranl Handle (note typo is needed). It’s on Gumtree which is like Greys. 
 

phil also has NOS Delco S/G one way clutch housing with distributor drive and a few other parts for vintage Buick NOS. 

[Larry Schramm]

That crank looks exactly like the original one that I have.  Nice work.

[Grant L. Meredith]

Rock10, was the brake handle released?

[Rock10]

Yes.

[Morgan Wright]

You don't need to turn the engine, if all you want to do is set the point gap, just loosen the distributor and rotate it until the points are on the cam. Then set the points and turn the distributor back to time it.

[Rock10]

We were setting the valves.