What's the best way to rotate the engine by hand? I need to set rocker lash.

I was thinking of using the crank hub bolt, but doesn't the engine rotate to the left? (looking from the front)? That just unscrews the bolt. Should I turn the engine backwards?

I have the timing cover and crank hub off too.

Also, isn't it easier to turn the engine while the spark plugs are out (no compression)? I'm thinking it is.

 

ttt

 

Just put some washers on the hub bolt and rotate it that way, make sure the pressure from the bolt isnt on the crankshaft. Rotate is clockwise, and it would probably be easier with the spark plugs out.

 

Thats unnecessary. I used a 1/2" breaker bar and a 5/8" socket and turned the engine as I pleased. Left and right. TDC and BDC.

 

Huh? How did that work?

 

I took a 1/2" breaker bar, put on a 5/8" socket, raised the vehicle.
Put the breaker bar on the CENTER crankshaft hub bolt (don't worry about the 3 smaller bolts thats resemble a triangular pattern) and turn the breaker bar. A breaker bar has MORE THAN ENOUGH force to turn the engine back and forth.

 

Our hubs are off the car now.

 

OK then I'll use the crank bolt and turn it to the right. Is that the direction the engine rotates? Clockwise from the front?

 

I see rodrigues: in your case my plan wouldn't work.

Mikey: remember that piston engine have a stop/start motion, so you can turn the engine a certain amount in EITHER direction, depending on which piston you want to get to TDC/BDC. If I'm not mistaken (and I very well may be) try rotating it counter-clockwise all the way to get the #1 piston to TDC.