Manually cranked beetles

KKV270 · Post by **KKV270** » Mon Sep 15, 2014 1:59 am

Hi.

I have had several issues with my starter for a while. I believe I have resolved/zeroed the main problems.

The whole experience has got me thinking of having a back-up solution....fitting my engine with the manually crankable pulley nut. What would be your opinion on the matter? Any photos of what the nut looks like?

This is just a thought of having a contingent plan. Having an abrupt starter problem has been a persistent nightmare I've had...and would not want to get stalled by....by all means.

hercdriver · Post by **hercdriver** » Mon Sep 15, 2014 6:09 am

Not worth the trouble. Park it on a hill/slope nose down. Put it in second gear, let it roll and release the clutch. It also works well if you can find someone to push.

Ultimately, you should fix the the starter though.

BERHAN · Post by **BERHAN** » Mon Sep 15, 2014 7:51 pm

here's a link to what they look like

BERHAN · Post by **BERHAN** » Mon Sep 15, 2014 7:51 pm

here's a link to what they look like, oops forgot to add the link, http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/ ... crank+bolt

h~moto · Post by **h~moto** » Mon Sep 15, 2014 10:06 pm

You will also need a crank handle and also access holes for inserting the crank - one through the body and one in the engine tin.

http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1029/5308 ... z.jpg?zz=1

Because the engine is air cooled the holes need to be blocked off after the engine is started. I'm not sure about the hole in the body but the hole in the tin is blocked by a panel that can be rotated out of the way.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/ ... id=1665308

This part would NOT fit your vehicle. It is for the older 25/36 HP engines. I doubt if this tin is available for newer Beetles. Would likely have to modify the one you have.

Blue Baron · Post by **Blue Baron** » Wed Oct 01, 2014 2:48 pm

Also keep in mind the older cars this was designed for had 6:1 compression or lower, and later engines have about 7.5:1 and stronger valve springs, so hand cranking is not so easy an option.

Itskyle · Post by **Itskyle** » Sun Oct 05, 2014 3:36 pm

Blue Baron wrote:Also keep in mind the older cars this was designed for had 6:1 compression or lower, and later engines have about 7.5:1 and stronger valve springs, so hand cranking is not so easy an option.

X2

My grandmother was a nurse, and even back when the trannies weren't geared as aggressively as they are nowadays, she would regale me stories of people who broke their arms trying to crank start their cars with the engine in either reverse or in gear.

Remember, never discount the power of starter fluid squirted in the air cleaner and keeping the vehicle as light as possibleby keeping it as empty as possible. Lighter curb weight makes it easier to push start, even on flat roads.

Kyle