there should be a international "hand crank your rover day".

[blueseriesii]

I've got a 1960 IIa with a Solex carb and an electric fuel pump. I've had great hand crank starting by topping up the carb with the electric fuel pump, pulling the cold start out all the way, ign.key off turn the engine over (360 deg) 1 or 1 1/2 times, to load up the cylinders with fuel mix, turn on ign. and pull 1/4 turn and it usually starts first pull. I actually did this after the vehicle sat for 12 years. Removed and polished the points, remote fuel tank with new fuel, checked for spark by opening and closing points. followed above regimen and it started FIRST pull.......12 years, big smile on my face.

[blueseriesii]

Long ago the timing was not set properly, the engine fired prematurely, spun the crank around backwards and smashed my wristwatch crystal.

[roverp480]

That's why you shouldn't put you thumb round the handle when cranking

[blueseriesii]

That's why you shouldn't put you thumb round the handle when cranking

Yup.

[jimrr]

yea, that part about how to position your thumb is a lesson hard learned !!