What is this YSB8 part?

[njwtech]

Anyone know what this strange looking handle is for on the front of my late 70's vintage Yanmar YSB8? Thanks in adviance.

 

[kloudie1]

Crank handle for the oil strainer??

Here is the note about it:
The engine has no oil filter, relying on an oil strainer. This consists of a series of thin rings on a shaft that is turned by a T handle on the front of the engine. Thin plates between the rings; scrape the debris from the oil.

 

[Jalepeno]

It is your oil filter/strainer cleaner. Rotate a number of times before starting the motor and take apart to clean about one a year. Be very careful not to strip the threads in the aluminum PTO cover. Don’t ask how I know.
s/v Jalepeno

 

[njwtech]

Thank you so much. It's a great little engine and I want to keep it that way. Motored 70 miles last two days... 23 more to go...