crankshaft rotation direction?

[Ncostello]

When looking at the engine from the front, what is the direction of crankshaft rotation? CW or CCW?



Normally I'd just look at the fan rotation direction when turning the engine over. However I've got all the accessories and the belt off the engine. Thanks!

 

[PToombs]

Clockwise.

 

[KOG]

I'm unaware of any automotive engine built in the last 50+ years which doesn't turn CW when viewed from the "front" (that would be rear for rear engined stuff) of the engine. There are reverse rotation models built for boats.

 

[Ncostello]

Thats what I had always thought. But when reading an article on valve adjustment from dodgeram.org... the instructions state:



"If no barring tool is available, the crankshaft may be turned with a 22 mm socket on the alternator pulley bolt. Rotate the engine clockwise when viewing from the front of the truck. This method turns the engine backwards, so make sure you are adjusting the correct valves. "



This makes it sound like you should rotate the engine crank clockwise by turning the alternator nut. Then the next sentence states "this method turns the engine backwards".



Thats where my confusion comes from.



Basically I'm adjusting my valves and want to turn the engine in its normal direction during the process.

 

[JGrefenstette]

Ncostello, i read the exact thing you did and was totaly lost. are they wrong in their statement or what? and am i understanding this rite?... if you are looking at truck head on, as if it were going to run you over, the motor is turning CW?

 

[PToombs]

I'm unaware of any automotive engine built in the last 50+ years which doesn't turn CW when viewed from the "front" (that would be rear for rear engined stuff) of the engine. There are reverse rotation models built for boats.

Detroit Diesels in busses turn counterclockwise. Different cams and water pumps.

 

[JLEONARD]

There are reverse rotation models built for boats.

Yes and those are pretty much a thing of the past. I had a "Left hand" aka "anti-clockwise" Perkins diesel in my old boat, and it was tough getting some of the parts... . for example a water pump because the impellers was backwards. None available.

That engine (T6. 354) was discontinued in 1980 and the replacement series was R hand (CW) only.

(BTW the reason the engines were CCW is that back then many of the boat trannies could only take and output full power in the direction of the engine rotation hence a twin engine boat had one CW and one CCW engine.

Today's trannies can take/output full power in either dorection. )

Jay