turning the engine by hand

Hello all,

I've successfully removed the carb body on my 1986 vf500f and have started the carb-cleaning process. One very helpful member on this site has suggested that I remove all the spark plugs and attempt to turn the engine by hand one or two times over, to make sure the work I'm doing on the carbs is worth it.

Has anyone got a tutorial on how to do this?
Do I need a special tool to do this?
Where do I find the bolt to turn the engine over by hand?

Thanks again,

 

I just did this on a 1984 Ninja 900 I've begun to restore.

The bolt you are looking for is behind the 'stator' cover. At least it is on the Ninja, but most bikes are the same.

First, remove the spark plugs and then spray some PB Blaster into the cylinder holes. Let it sit in their for a day (it will leak around the rings and drain down) Put the appropriate size socket on the bolt and turn it counter clock wise a few times.

All is good and Bob's your uncle.

BZ

 

no inspection/access hole on that model ??

 

I do not think the 500 had the service plug in the clutch cover, if you are worried about major engine damage I would pull the pan and inspect. If fatal failure has happened you will find plenty of metal there. Good luck.

 

Now I'm wondering the same as Tinkering... I do have the inspection hole on the clutch side cover, but I thought that was used for aligning somethingorrather, unrelated to trying to see if the engine will turn over...? Should I leave the engine lined up to a mark through the inspection cover when I check to see if it'll turn? Or does it matter?

 

IF you remove the cover, you'll see a large ( probably 17mm) bolt head, so put a socket on it and turn. Do put about a tablespoon (1/2 oz.) of motor oil or PB Blaster down each cylinder first and let it soak for awhile before turning.......or attempting to turn.

 

USE the bolt on the stator, exactly as Tinki suggests....... which you'll find under the inspection hole cover........i believe?