When attempting to turn the crank manually to set theengine to TDC, does it matter what direction you turn it?Counterclockwise or clockwise? Would it do any damage if you tried to turn it the wrong direction? When I last tried turn the crank with a large socket in order to adjust the points, I could have sworn I felt the nut loosen, but I can't remember what direction I was trying to turn it.

 

first, it doesn't matter what direction you turn the crank, second, if the crank bolt is loose you should obviously go in the other direction, last, put a dab ofhand-tight loctite (blue) on the bolt threads to keep it from backing out if you happen to break it loose, then just re-install it, torque to specs.

 

You want to go the right direction, clockwse as you're looking at the front of the engine. You can back up a little bit if you need, but don't turn it more than a couple degrees.

 

Take the spark plugs out too. It stops the pistons from compressing whatever is in there and makes it easier to turn.

 

I think you normally want to turn the crank in it's normal running direction, because you will always have a bit of slack in the timing chain. If you crank it in reverse, that could make your valve positions off a bit.

But, speaking of cranking, I've had a 66 Stang up on blocks for about 20 years in my garage that I want to get started up. I cannot remember if I prepped it at all for storage, so I expect it's probably seized up to some degree.

If I put a wrench on the front nut and try to turn it over, is there any risk I could twist the head off the bolt...? That would be a "point of no return" disaster...! Any idea how much torque would it take without damage...?

Otherwise, any suggestions on how to get at old engine like this loosened up...?

The carhas been kept dry since the last time it was driven.

Thanks...!

 

definitely clockwise like stated above you can get away with turning the ford motor counter-clockwise though although its not a great habit to get into because some engines with belts like a 2.3 liter ford etc can jump a tooth and throw the timing way off better just not get accustomed to it