Best way to rotate engine?? JD350B Dozer

[Hutch350B]

JD350B Diesel Engine


I am replacing the head gasket and am in the process of going back together with all the parts.

Was a diesel mechanic for years but never on dozers.

What is the best way to rotate the engine when adjust the valve clearance. I have removed the timing window so that I can reverse the pin and stick it in the flywheel to find TDC.....but what is the best way to rotate the engine. Cant really get at the end of the crankshaft without removing the raidiatior and shroud. I can use a screwdriver through the timing window on the flywheel but there is not much room and very slow.

Thought maybe there was an easier way.

Thanks
Hutch

[LeonardL]

Hutch,
There isn't a real good way to do this without Deeres Cheater tool that fits inside the timing hole in the flywheel housing and engages the starter teeth on the flywheel. If you have a Deere dealer close you may be able to borrow the tool from them. Although most dealers aren't the best at loaning their tools out. And, I can understand why.
I have done this a couple of different ways. One way is to just tighten the fan belt good and tight and rotated the engine with the belt. I have also used a small pipe wrench that will fit inside the fan shroud and fit it over the Hydraulic pump drive. Not an easy task and you will skin your knuckles doing it. The other alternative is using the engines starter. I use a remote starter button and will bump the starter over while holding slight pressure on the timing pin and you can feel the pin pop into the timing hole in the flywheel. This takes some patients and you need to be somewhat careful in the process. Also make sure the wire is off of the Injector pump so it doesn't try to fire on you.
I also know a fellow here in MO that goes so far as to remove the hydraulic pump and he uses a tool that fits inside the spline of the pump drive to turn the engine over. This works great but is time consuming and requires you to drain the hydraulic system and you need an assistant to help you. One guy to turn the engine over and another to put the timing pin in the flywheel.
I'm sorry I don't have any other tricks than that. perhaps some of these other guys have a trick that I don't know about. Hopefully if they do they will share it with all of us. Good Luck!!

[Hutch350B]

Thanks Leonard,

That is in fact what I ended up doing. Tried the hydraulic pump drive thing first...very tight and didnt work out too well. Ended up putting the alternator back on and tightening the fan belt up and using that method.

Thank you very much for your reply.

Hutch

[MarkW]

I also use the fan belt, seems to be the simplest way without spending money.