Turning the engine

[jdion81]

For the sake of conversation.... What 'would' be wrong with turning the engine in the incorrect direction? Timing chain tension? Possible cam chain wadding up in the bottom of the engine causing damage if the engine is forced?

Wouldn't it be pretty easy to turn the engine in either direction if the plugs are pulled?

[chuck hahn]

Maybe undo stress on the cam chain would be my biggest concern.

[gsrick]

Well at least you don't want to do that when checking the timing. The cams may not be in the correct position with the crank if it's rotated backwards.

[Steve]

For the sake of conversation.... What 'would' be wrong with turning the engine in the incorrect direction? Timing chain tension? Possible cam chain wadding up in the bottom of the engine causing damage if the engine is forced?

Technically, it shouldn't make any difference. If your timing chain wads up in the bottom, you have bigger problems to worry about, as the tensioner is not doing its job.

Because of clearances and tensions in various parts, you only turn it in the "forward" direction, and by using the 19mm nut on the right side of the crank when you are doing things like checking cam or ignition timing. If nothing else, it makes sure that everyone is doing it the same way, which might make the results a bit more predictable.

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[jdion81]

Understood. I was just wondering because I am working on mine with the cams and tensioner out and feeding the chain by hand. The engine has been moving forward and anti-forward for some time by hand. It is pretty easy to move by hand with the plugs out by grabbing the stator rotor and turning.

[hannibal]

Without the tensioner and cams, you can spin it either way (assuming you're not letting the cam chain bunch up).

[Calandnr]

Thanks for all the help! Just want to make sure I got this straight. Even though I turned the engine from the wrong side (clutch/left) it should be fine since it was turned in the right direction. Just need to check timing marks?