[Healeys] Removing Big Nut on Crankshaft

[BJ8 Healeys]

I did that, too.  While using a big spanner to turn the engine for adjusting the valves, I stupidly used the button on the starter relay to bump the engine over, forgetting the wrench was still on the dog nut.  The engine turned, the wrench stopped when it hit the inner fender (also no damage), but the starter spun the nut off, shearing the lock tab on the washer.  My starter surely had enough torque to take the nut off.  Next time I need to remove the nut, I'll turn the wrench until it rests on a block of wood on the inner fender, and then hit the relay button.

Steve Byers
HBJ8L/36666
BJ8 Registry
Havelock, NC  
---- Rick Swain <rjswain at hotmail.com> wrote: 
> You could try what I have done unintentionally - twice. I left a big crescent
> wrench on the nut, then later, having forgotten it was there, tried to start
> the engine. A big clunk, but luckily no damage. Spun that nut right off. no
> problem at all. And here I am admitting to my stupidity.
> You could turn the wrench until it fetched up against the inner fender, or
> wherever, and avoid the big clunk.
> Rick Swain (I'm actually signing my real name)
> 
> > Listers,
> >
> > What's the best way to lock up the engine/drivetrain so I can undo the big
> nut
> > on the end of the crank?
> >
> > I've tried popping it loose with the starter but the starter doesn't supply
> > enough torque.