Hand cranking a Yanmar 2GM

[Dreamboat]

I have recently purchased a 1982 Hunter 30 with a Yanmar 2GM engine.The boat came equipped with hand crank mechanism (a fitting on the front of the engine and a handle that slips into the tube to crank).I want to know how to crank the engine by hand if (when) my starter gives up.My mechanic friend said that you release the compression on the cylinders, spin the handle, and flip the compression lever.I have not been able to make it work.Do I turn on the key?Am I not spinning the engine fast enough?Is there something I am missing?Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Gord May]

hand cranking

Yes, turn the ignition to the “on” position. This will power your gauges (for when it starts).Often, two people are required. One to crank the engine, and the other to close the compression lever (when you get up to speed). By the time the cranker, reaches up to the lever, you’ve probably lost some speed.HTH,Gord

 

[Liam]

Steroids

Start by taking steriods and working out for 6 months...Actally I had an engine with a hand crank one time and only managed to start it with the crank once although I tried may times. Maybe I am weak.Usually they are not in a place that makes it easy to get leverage.Here's the drill...Release the compression from the cylinders. Crank as fast as you can and without stopping the crank action engage the compression and really crank as hard as you can. If you are lucky you will gain enough momentum to turn it over enough times with compression to create enough heat to make the fuel explode and start the engine.Works best with one person cranking and one on the compression release if you can both fit in the space around the engine.Good luck.

 

[Mike]

Careful!

I used to use a 4 cylinder gasoline engine water pump that started by hand crank. One thing you must remember is to hold the crank in the palm of your hand with all your fingers AND YOUR THUMB on the same side of the handle. If you wrap your thumb around the handle, and you get a kickback from the engine compression, you could end up with a broken thumb.