How to 'rotate engine' ??
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,170
Likes: 312
From: Australia
Year: 1997 (RHD)
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 ltr
Hi guys,
Could someone please explain how to "rotate engine with the engine starter motor for three revolutions"?
I thought rotate meant cranking, however this is mentioned in a FSM about sorting out starting issues and the battery is disconnected for this, so cant 'crank' it.
Could someone please explain how to "rotate engine with the engine starter motor for three revolutions"?
I thought rotate meant cranking, however this is mentioned in a FSM about sorting out starting issues and the battery is disconnected for this, so cant 'crank' it.
Do you want to turn the motor over with the battery not hooked up? I just want to make sure that I am understanding you correctly.
Last edited by mdnov; Jan 28, 2012 at 03:46 PM. Reason: needed to ask another question
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,170
Likes: 312
From: Australia
Year: 1997 (RHD)
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 ltr
Sorry, cant find the specific section in the FSM anymore.
It said to rotate the engine with engine starter with for three revolutions.
But you cant rotate it without the battery begin connected, now can I?
E.g. checking spark at the secondary ignition cable, it says 'roate the engine', which I understand means cranking the engine (with the starter motor/'engine starter')
So, is there another way (at all) you can rotate the engine?
It said to rotate the engine with engine starter with for three revolutions.
But you cant rotate it without the battery begin connected, now can I?
E.g. checking spark at the secondary ignition cable, it says 'roate the engine', which I understand means cranking the engine (with the starter motor/'engine starter')
So, is there another way (at all) you can rotate the engine?
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,170
Likes: 312
From: Australia
Year: 1997 (RHD)
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 ltr
yeah, I understand, but can one rotate the engine without the battery hooked up?
And how do I so-called "rotate the engine for three revolutions" !?
And how do I so-called "rotate the engine for three revolutions" !?
Seasoned Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 289
Likes: 1
From: Joliet, IL
Year: 1998,2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
You can rotate it without the battery however that will not work for checking spark. It would be helpful if you let us know WHY you need to rotate the engine. You said "E.g. checking spark at the secondary ignition cable" is that why? If you do not need power for this you can simply throw a 3/4" wrench on the front of the main pulley and rotate it by hand.
CF Veteran
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,460
Likes: 0
From: Dayton, Ohio
Year: 1992
Model: Comanche
Engine: 4.0
You can rotate it without the battery however that will not work for checking spark. It would be helpful if you let us know WHY you need to rotate the engine. You said "E.g. checking spark at the secondary ignition cable" is that why? If you do not need power for this you can simply throw a 3/4" wrench on the front of the main pulley and rotate it by hand.
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You can rotate it without the battery however that will not work for checking spark. It would be helpful if you let us know WHY you need to rotate the engine. You said "E.g. checking spark at the secondary ignition cable" is that why? If you do not need power for this you can simply throw a 3/4" wrench on the front of the main pulley and rotate it by hand.
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,438
Likes: 1
From: Dallas, GA 30157
Year: 1999
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
A simple way to find out which way it rotates is to look at the fan blade,
following belt travel. It pulls air in. Same direction as you tighten the harmonic balancer bolt
(at least on mine)
following belt travel. It pulls air in. Same direction as you tighten the harmonic balancer bolt
(at least on mine)
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,489
Likes: 24
From: Nor-Cal Coast
Year: 90,84
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0,2.5
It turns counter-clockwise to for the driver. (that's anti-clockwise if your continent is up-side down). Most easily done with a 3/4 socket after pulling the E-fan. (just two little bolts). You will never get a spark like that thou!
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,012
Likes: 1
From: NC/SC
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Not sure why your checking for spark when your trying to do it with the battery disconnected. You can pull the coil wire or CPS sensor and neither will allow the engine to spark. If you pulled the battery cable you can rotate the engine by hand by putting a wrench on the crank pulley and rotating it clockwise while standing in front of the block or counterclockwise if your inside of the vehicle.
Best way to check for spark without a timing light is to leave the battery connected. Pull the main coil wire and attach a sparkplug to it and ground it out. You should be able to see a spark while cranking if your ignition system is in correct operating order.
EDIT: I guess I posted at the same time as DFlintstone LOL.
Best way to check for spark without a timing light is to leave the battery connected. Pull the main coil wire and attach a sparkplug to it and ground it out. You should be able to see a spark while cranking if your ignition system is in correct operating order.
EDIT: I guess I posted at the same time as DFlintstone LOL.
Last edited by sam24th; Jan 29, 2012 at 06:48 PM.
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,170
Likes: 312
From: Australia
Year: 1997 (RHD)
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 ltr
thanx guys, but please stop ralking about getting spark, thats no longer the issue haha. But its good to see so many quick and adequate replies.


