1st try at Valve adjustment -- how do I turn this crankshaft?

[e30fe]

Hi,

I'm going to do my 1st valve adjustment on my recently-inherited '89 E30 Automatic this wknd. I've read the Pelican Parts online howto, as well as the "Project 21: E30 Valve Adjustment" in their '101Projects' book.

To get to TDC, I get that I need to rotate the engine.

Problem is, I dunno how folks are managing in here, but I can neither get a socket or a box wrench to the crankshaft pulley bolt. Between the fan, radiator, and hoses, I can barely even get my hand near it! :-(

Neither of the articles say to drop the radiator, which I guess would make the access easier -- but not the overall job.

How are you managing to GET TO the silly bolt?

OTOH, the book article says "rotate the engine crankshaft 120 degrees using the fan pulley if you have a six-cylinder engine". No picture, or instruction how to do that ...

Will that be easier access? How should that be done - wrench on a bolt? Pulling on a belt?

I know, I know ... this is all 2nd nature to y'all. Me, I bought the book and read the article to get some guidance for a first time. So far, not clear 2 me :-/

Appreciate any help!

[E30SPDFRK]

Pull the fan and fan shroud and it's easy as pie

[rustneversleeps]

I'll be doing mine as soon as the warm weather hits.I have the Bentley shop manual and all it does is brings me to another page or content to remove something else....So i like to know to..

I also would check the how to video on you-tube by Dan Cronin.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tkkKGcDXnz8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[rustneversleeps]

The videos works or this site won't let me copy and paste..

[digger]

Also put it in neutral, plugs out makes it easier to. not essential

[Mook613]

You get at it from the bottom.
Take off the plastic shield and you have direct access to the crank bolt and can turn it with a socket.
Helps a lot to pull the plugs.

[Mahalaleel]

I saw a video where they pulled the fuel pump relay and then jumped a connection to the starter and let it do the work.

[digger]

you can also put it in gear and push the car (handbrake off), plugs out helps again

[jeffnhiscars]

I use a 22mm ratcheting box wrench. Works like a charm. Once it's on it's there for the entire process.

[dnguyen1963]

Put the car in 5th gear. Jack up the rear and rotate the tire to get cylinder 1 to TDC. Plugs out will definitely help.

[TobyB]

J

ack up one rear wheel and rotate the tire to get cylinder 1 to TDC.

this way is easier IF you don't have room to roll.

y

[Das Delfin]

put the car in 5th gear and push it forward. Should only take about three feet to do it all

[reelizmpro]

Remote starter switch connected to the diagnostic connector on pins 11 and 14 can be used to bump the engine over and allow you to adjust the valves.

[rustneversleeps]

You get at it from the bottom.
Take off the plastic shield and you have direct access to the crank bolt and can turn it with a socket.
Helps a lot to pull the plugs.

i like this method do you know how many bolts to take off..

you can also put it in gear and push the car (handbrake off), plugs out helps again

so how about the other valves do you back it up and then forward and so on so forth for each valves or just keep going forward..

I use a 22mm ratcheting box wrench. Works like a charm. Once it's on it's there for the entire process.

X2

Put the car in 5th gear. Jack up the rear and rotate the tire to get cylinder 1 to TDC. Plugs out will definitely help.

does this apply to AT .....

[digger]

Haven't used the push method for ages I just pull the fan off with the shroud but you can roll it forward or back depending how much space you have