Crank starting....

[1955CJ-5]

When we put the engine together we installed a front crankshaft nut that would accept a hand crank..

I got a one piece hand crank off ebay about a year ago, but it is too short to reach through the bumper, but turns the engine fine if installed under the bumper..

So I need to lengthen it, and I'd like to make it two piece so I can stow it in the tool box...

I thought I'd cut it in two...find a 3/4" drive socket extension, 6" or 8", cut it in half or as needed, weld the ends on the crank sections and I could then fit the two pieces together when needed....

The crank is really handy for setting the timing and setting valves, and who knows I may even need it to start one day...

Ideas or better suggestions?

That is a 1/2" drive extension in the picture...the crank is 3/4" diameter....

[macrisel]

I think that is a great idea!  I have thought about getting a crank for mine also but have never pulled the trigger.

[1955CJ-5]

There was a little glitch.....the large end of the 3/4 extension was too large for the 1" hole in the bumper...my idea now is to get a couple 3/4 socket adapters, say 1/2 to 3/4 and a 3/4 to 1/2, knock the 1/2 fitting off the one and then weld them to the two parts of the hand crank so the two 3/4 ends will mate...........

These are not the right size but you get the idea....

[athawk11]

Very cool.

How about cutting the original right after the handle bends�maybe at 20 to 21�.

Weld the extension to the handle portion�then shape the straight piece to fit in the extension end of the handle.

This idea may not fit in the box though.

Edit::::: Never mind.� Just measured to the pulley.� 22" to the face.� I get it now.

How about staying with the same idea, but picking up, then scabbing in a length of 3/4" round stock steel?

2nd Edit::::Never mind.  Now it's probably too long to fit in the tool box.  How about you stick with you idea and I shut my trap?

[Ryan_M]

That'll sure beat my ghetto set up: