Turn Yanmar Manually?

[Rick486]

Hi All:
I would like to be able to set the valve clearances on my Yanmar 4JH4E. To do that I would like to position the crankshaft accurately by turning the engine manually, say with a large socket wrench on the nut holding the v-belt pulley on the end of the crank. I find that touching the starter to move the crank is not very precise and the engine will start running sometimes. Has anyone done that? Should I expect to be able to do so?
Thanks

 

[woodster]

do you have decompression levers on the valve cover ..if so use them to free up the engine compression and then you can turn the shaft wit a socket wrench to your desired position ...also set your fuel stop cable in the stop position so as not to start the engine oops i just realized you don't have them when the valve cover is off ...so make sure your fuel stop cable is set to off and turn the crank by hand till you get your adjusting position

 

[kloudie1]

Yes and it is pretty easy if you do it slowly. Always use a ratchet (not a cheater bar) to turn it so if it does "pop" it will not break something.. do pull the fuel stop out completely and leave it out until all done. I agree with Woody completely.. Be safe!

 

[Rick486]

Thanks guys. Now I know I can do it and how!!