Crank Start On A Cj5

i was wondering if it would be possible to use a crankstart on a cj5? i think there might be issues with the crossmember/grille.

 

It can be done. I've done it. You need the right nut on the crank pulley to adapt the crank tip, and a hole in the bumper.

You also need to know how to not break your thumb or wrist.

 

I have a LHead genset with a crank start snout

 

I had a crank start on one of my old Willys Wagons with a 226 flathead. I found the starter crank behind the spare tire after I bought the Jeep. Yes, I tried it and started the engine with it a couple times. There was a center loop that attached to the bumper as an outer support, and the radiator had a clearance "hump" in the bottom tank. That Wagon is long gone, but I still have the crank somewhere.
I have an F-134 with the special crank nut that looks original to the engine.
-Donny

 

sounds terrifying.

 

Not sure what you're going for, but on my dad's cj3b we sometimes push it to get it rolling and just pop the clutch. Or better, pull it slow with another jeep and then pop the clutch.

 

My thought is the fear of being in the boonies with a dead battery, no hill to roll-start on. Having a crank could be a major benefit.

 

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Unless it's got a magneto, it doesn't seem likely you'll be able to crank start it with a dead battery. The generator/alternator isn't going to do anything at those speeds.

I guess it would work if the battery is too dead to crank the engine, but still has enough juice to run the ignition.

 

Both my crank nuts are a different design from the one pictured in post #2. Mine have a tapered "ramp" on the back side of the engagement area. The one in post#2 would guarantee carnage is used. I can't imagine a crank handle flailing around at 1000 rpm!
-Donny

 

is that something i would have to do myself or possibly factory? im on a tight budget

 

The end of the crank has notches shaped to cam out.

 

This. Done it a hundred times on numerous vehicles.

Even when the starter still turns, but the engine won't fire, hand cranking can let a low battery send more power to the spark.

 

It's about current. A starter motor draws a lot of current. The battery, even if nearly flat, will still give you near 12V for starting. Just not much current. That's why your multimeter does not tell you a lot about the condition of a car battery; you need a dedicated battery tester.

 

Or in my case, six volts...

Not so easy getting a jump from another vehicle, these days.

 

thanks, i might try it. also, do you guys know a good (cheap) winch?

 

would you be willing to part with that nut? i could probably trade...

 

We have a crank start handle for the farm tractor, a Ford NAA. I was never brave enough to try it.

 

I would NEVER hand start something that doesn't have a spark retard function. You're just asking to break a bone or finger. Seen it happen.

 

The crank handle that came in my Wagon has only the shaft that noses into the special nut with a crosspin that engages the nut. The "cam" that disengages upon starting is incorporated in the nut holding the pulley on.
The crosspin in the nut in post #2 is essentially the opposite of mine.
-Donny

Not interested in letting go of that special nut. I won't encourage you to pursue thinking its practical to crank start your Jeep. The ability to hand start it is a novelty at best.
-Donny