How to crank over a flathead with a socket wrench.

[MarcDeSoto]

I've been using a 3/4" drive 1 13/16" socket to turn over my 48 DeSoto crankshaft.  The vibration damper is out, so I put it back on today.  Now my socket will not fit on the crankshaft head.  That's because the nuts are in the way.  I thought you were supposed to be able to crank over the engine with the vibration damper on.  Am I mistaken?  Or do I need a thin-walled socket?

Edited October 5, 2021 by MarcDeSoto

[Dodgeb4ya]

Either turn the six damper bolt heads slightly for more  possible socket clearance or use a thinner socket.

[MarcDeSoto]

Is that little hole next to one of the damper bolt holes there for some reason?  Is it to line up the damper correctly to time the engine?  Are you supposed to paint the little hole to line up the holes next time you remove the damper?  

[Dodgeb4ya]

I cannot answer that question.

I just assembled one of those six bolt dampers. I always pick punch them before removal for quick re-assembly.

[Andydodge]

Is there one hole or two?..........if two then they are probably for use with a crank pulley puller.........andyd 

[Dodgeb4ya]

The hole is about 1/8"...

[MarcDeSoto]

Yes, the fan pulley behind the vibration damper and the vibration damper which has the timing degrees on it have a bolt hole pattern that will only go on one way.  If you punch or paint the little marker hole, you can easily reassemble these parts, as Dodge said.  I think the reason I can't turn the engine over when the damper is installed is I'm using a big, fat 3/4" drive 1 13/16" socket, which is too thick to fit inside of the bolt heads.