Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Engine Barring (or rotation)

[Ncostello]

When I need to rotate my ISB 5. 9 over by hand, I get out my 1/2" breaker bar and put the socket on there that fits the bolts (4) on the damper. The torque on the damper bolts is high enough that turning the wrench slowly will rotate the engine versus tightening the bolts more. If you go the other way slowly it wont loosen them either. Is there a problem with doing it this way or should I use the alternator nut... or better yet the actual barring tool which I dont have?



Also can I rotate the engine slowly in either direction? I try to only rotate in the normal running direction... but I have gone backwards just a little bit once or twice.



I need to adjust the valves soon and also install my new (used with 10,000 miles) VP44 pump. I realize you only want to go in the normal direction during a valve adjustment... I guess I'm just talking about general repairs that may require you to rotate in reverse direction. Thanks TDR members.

 

[A Johnson]

You will be fine however you want to do it. I turn it backwards with the alternator nut when I set valves. I can't believe a few thousands worth of gear lash will make a difference.



The best use of the barring tool is to stick it in the hole when you are torqing the dampner or flywheel bolts, it will bind in there and lock the engineYet it removes easily.



A Johnson

 

[jwilliams3]

Like A Johnson says,

Get the barring tool available from Snap-On.

Its an invaluable tool for working on a Cummins B series.



--Justin

 

[Ncostello]

Thanks. When I'm applying the real torque to the damper bolts... I'll put the engine in 4th and put a smooth steel bar through the rear u-joint and against the ground. I outta get a barring tool however. Probably would be a good investment especially for clutch jobs... ie: flywheel bolts as you said.

 

[bombero]

Thanks for the info. I have a snap on barring tool that i used on my 92 . In the near future i will be replacing the clutch in my 01. I looked the other day and didnt see a holl in the bellhousing for the tool. Am I wrong or should i get better glasses??

 

[Ncostello]

I thought I saw a diagram showing it topside on the passenger side of the bell housing. Thats what I remember anyway. I've slept since then and have never looked on mine since I dont have the tool anyway.

 

[jwilliams3]

The access cover for installing the barring tool is on the passenger side of the truck.



Engines used to have a black plastic O ringed cover that was just pressed in, newer trucks have a steel cover that secured with 10mm bolts.



--Justin

 

[AlFischer]

If I remember I bought the barring tool from Cummins for $27??.

I remember Snap On to be about twice that.