Hand crank starting an M38

Apatriot · Post by **Apatriot** » Tue Apr 18, 2006 11:24 pm

Ok,I found that my M38 has the hand crank nut on the crankshaft pully,and the corrosponding hole in the bumper.
Has anyone here actually tried to hand crank an m38,and what precautions should be taken when doing so?

Also,if it turns out this is a desired back up starting system,where would i find a hand crank?
Thanks.

PeteL · Post by **PeteL** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 9:00 am

I have an interest in this too. Is the hole in the CJ5 bumpers for OEM crank?

I'd like to get the crank nut, or good pictures, for custom application to M38A1.

pete

PeteL · Post by **PeteL** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 9:09 am

Regarding precautions...

My father taught me very young - NEVER wrap your thumb 360 around the crank handle, or push down on the crank. If the engine backfires it may break your thumb or arm, or face.

Keep your thumb alongside your fingers, start low at the bottom of the stroke and pull up, hard. If it kicks, the crank can pull down safely out of your hand, and you and your face will also be moving up and away from it.

(It helps if the ignition is retarded, such as could be done on Model T's etc. Less chance of backfire.)

If cold, pre-prime the engine with a couple of slow turns choke out, ignition off. Then give a good pull with ignition on, part choke.

Pete

Apatriot · Post by **Apatriot** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 11:42 am

I will post a picture in my album of the crank nut on my M38.It does not look to hard to copy one.

Post by **Ryan_Miller** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 6:40 pm

Crank nuts are readily available at most suppliers and are not that expensive.

I would exercise extreme caution when attempting as you can get easily hurt.

PeteL · Post by **PeteL** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 7:42 pm

Especially if the "nut" holding the crank is "tight."

Pete

SteveJ · Post by **SteveJ** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 11:05 pm

Good one Pete

My first vehicle was a 1949 Austin A40 pickup. I never could afford a decent battery so I spent a lot of time cranking the old buggy. As was advised above keep your thumb clear.

Cranks are available probably repro's. I think Pete Debella had some. I have an original Ford GPW marked one that I found at a surplus yard but neither my M38 or GPW has the correct nut. When I get those parts I might just giver a crank for old time sake.

PeteL · Post by **PeteL** » Thu Apr 20, 2006 7:36 am

I've had a lot of vehicles with cranks, even as late as a 1962 Hillman. A quick crank start has got me home many, many, times.

It can be a lifesaver when your battery dies, or the starter gets squirrels in it, as one of my Jeeps does right now.

I view crank-ability as much of an asset as a spare tire or an extra gas can, particularly to genuine off road types like us jeepers. Too bad most modern engines are too large or high compression for it to be practical.

Pete

Post by **wesk** » Thu Apr 20, 2006 11:52 am

If I have any ground slope at all or an extra person I still view a little roll and pop the clutch as the most simple approach to starting with a dead battery or bad starter.