• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech

turning over engine thats on a stand?

  • Thread starter Thread starter rculjak
  • Start date Start date Dec 3, 2006
R

rculjak

Founding Member
Jan 29, 2001
190
0
0
Dec 3, 2006
#1
  • Dec 3, 2006
  • #1
Hey guys, I recently picked up a motor thats a complete longblock and on a stand, whats the best way to turn the motor over, rotate it just to move the pistons up and down, the engine has been sitting for awhile, thanks.
 
O

OrLackThereof

New Member
Mar 9, 2003
560
0
0
Palm Bay, FL
Dec 3, 2006
#2
  • Dec 3, 2006
  • #2
Its hard for me to believe theres a special procedure.... If it's a block, heads-off, I tried to blow out as much debris as I POSSIBLY could from the bores and the undersides of the bores as well, then poured some oil in all of the bores, rotated the block on the stand and poured a little in the bottom of the bores for pistons high in their stroke...made sure it was coated all the way around, then slowly turned it over with a ratchet on the crank pulley and the engine stand locked down so it couldnt rotate with the motor
 
R

rculjak

Founding Member
Jan 29, 2001
190
0
0
Dec 4, 2006
#3
  • Dec 4, 2006
  • #3
well, the engine is completely assembled and on a stand with the clutch still on as well. I tried turning the single 5/8ths 12pt bolt inside the crank pulley and its stiff as hell, I dont want to apply excessive force but this should turn right???
 

urban96

bubb rubb says:"woo woooooo"
Founding Member
Sep 24, 2002
3,464
1
69
Syracuse, NY
Dec 4, 2006
#4
  • Dec 4, 2006
  • #4
its gonna be kinda tuff to turn over by hand if you have the heads installed as your compressing the air in there
 

Dark Knight

Founding Member
Feb 1, 2000
2,578
0
0
Chandler, Az.
Dec 4, 2006
#5
  • Dec 4, 2006
  • #5
Have the spark plugs out? Pull the crank pulley, put the bolts back in and stick a breaker bar or pipe between the bolts. You can also buy a crank socket that goes over the snout of the crank and keyway if the balancer os off.
 

Blk91stang

Member
Jan 3, 2003
607
0
16
North Brunswick, NJ
Dec 4, 2006
#6
  • Dec 4, 2006
  • #6
Dark Knight said:
Have the spark plugs out? Pull the crank pulley, put the bolts back in and stick a breaker bar or pipe between the bolts. You can also buy a crank socket that goes over the snout of the crank and keyway if the balancer os off.
Click to expand...


Why not just put a socket on the balancer bolt and rotate it that way? It's held on there wth a good 60-70 lb-ft/tq. Yes, make sure the spark plugs are OUT! I know my assumbled shortblock including cam took 16ft-lbs to spin over so I won't be surprised if it took 25-30 tops.
 
O

OrLackThereof

New Member
Mar 9, 2003
560
0
0
Palm Bay, FL
Dec 4, 2006
#7
  • Dec 4, 2006
  • #7
Blk91stang said:
Why not just put a socket on the balancer bolt and rotate it that way? It's held on there wth a good 60-70 lb-ft/tq.
Click to expand...

This is common practice and everybody does it including me, but "technically" this is a no-no....mostly for fear of damaging or snapping the bolt if there's too much compression and you wind up further tightening it instead of spinning the motor over.
 
R

rculjak

Founding Member
Jan 29, 2001
190
0
0
Dec 4, 2006
#8
  • Dec 4, 2006
  • #8
well, I tried turning that bolt but it is not moving with the plugs out, any other options? Should I worry about it, the engine will probably sit on that stand for at least another 8months, should I worry about it?
 
R

rculjak

Founding Member
Jan 29, 2001
190
0
0
Dec 5, 2006
#9
  • Dec 5, 2006
  • #9
what do you guys think?
 
H

Harleytwostar

New Member
Oct 10, 2006
9
0
0
Dec 5, 2006
#10
  • Dec 5, 2006
  • #10
Problems......

rculjak said:
well, I tried turning that bolt but it is not moving with the plugs out, any other options? Should I worry about it, the engine will probably sit on that stand for at least another 8months, should I worry about it?
Click to expand...

Yeah,
I would worry. What is the history on this engine? Do you know if it was good before you bought it or did you buy from somebody you don't know or trust? Lots of variables here but if you can't rotate the engine with the plugs out and using a reasonable amount of torque/effort..............I'd be thinking you have an engine with "issues" especially if you are going to let it sit another 8 months.........may not hurt to open the bottom end and see what kind of condition the bearings are in. Just my $.02

r/ George
 

Blk91stang

Member
Jan 3, 2003
607
0
16
North Brunswick, NJ
Dec 5, 2006
#11
  • Dec 5, 2006
  • #11
OrLackThereof said:
This is common practice and everybody does it including me, but "technically" this is a no-no....mostly for fear of damaging or snapping the bolt if there's too much compression and you wind up further tightening it instead of spinning the motor over.
Click to expand...

I agree, which is why I would recommend a torque wrench to make sure this doesnt happen.

And I recommended pulling the plugs to avoid dealing with ANY compression. This should be Step Numero 1 ANYTIME you plan on turning the motor over by hand.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Engine Suggestions on an engine rebuild. Stock cam/GT40Ps or aftermarket on both for a fun weekend driver?
  • MadSquirrelTech
  • Apr 28, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
  • 2
Replies
23
Views
664
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech May 7, 2026
MadSquirrelTech
D
Fox won't crank over and fuel pump won't kick on.
  • djj62478
  • Jun 7, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
16
Views
282
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Jun 11, 2026
General karthief
C
Stock 1993 charging issue at idle
  • Charlie1
  • Sep 21, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
7
Views
280
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Sep 24, 2025
Mustang5L5
E
2007 GT Stalls when lights or a/c turned on
  • ejscarfo
  • Jun 22, 2026
  • 2005 - 2009 Specific Tech
Replies
2
Views
69
2005 - 2009 Specific Tech Monday at 10:58 AM
ejscarfo
E
H
Ongoing Battle With Hydraulic Lifters
  • hailer06
  • Jun 8, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
7
Views
199
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Jun 9, 2026
Noobz347
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?