[Public-List] Hand cranking the Atomic 4

[Rod Symmes]

Sorry for the delay - I have been having trouble with my internet provider.

You guys seemed to have covered it all [if you put all the advice together]
In summary:
The compression on a diesel is much higher, so the dangers that much greater.  I am surprised that you succeeded on the second attempt.
Always keep your thumb on the same side of the crank handle as your fingers [ so you are just gripping it with your fingers and palm]
Never push down on the crank - if you slip or it kicks back, you get a mouth full of crank handle
Take off, tuck in or do up any loose clothing so it won't get snagged by something moving.

As was suggested - get a sequence and stick to it and don't rush - that is when mistakes are made.

Ignition OFF
Pull engine gently around until you feel the resistance of the compression
Ignition ON
Set throttle to your normal start possition or a little less [ too much throttle can increase the chance of a kickback ]
Choke ON if you normally would
Engage crank at the 6 to 7 o-clock possition
Brace yourself
Pull briskly up to the 12 o-clock possition   [ the advice to pull with "gusto" is good - this is no time to be timid - less chance of kickback too ]

If it fails to start - the safest thing is to go right back to step one.  ie. turn off ignition and re-possition the engine to the beginning of compression then ignition back on.

If  it doesn't start after a few attempts try a slight change in the throttle or choke.

Keep safe,

Cheers,   Rod

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