How To: Hand-Cranking the Volkswagen 181 (close-up)

Hand cranking the Volkswagen Thing seen close up, followed by an electric start. Yes, I noticed too that the fan/generator belt could use tightening.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Hand
• Crank
• handcranking
• hand-cranking
• VW
• Volkswagen
• type
• 181
• Thing
• Car
• 1973

[luigi2999]

could you do this on a regular beetle as well?

[ValkingParaWinger]

@luigi2999 The kit I found on eEay had a bracket that would attach to the back of a flat-4 creating the handle stand-off. I immediately thought of a Baja Beetle or Volks-trike where the rear apron is not covering the back of the engine as a possible application, so... minus the rear apron, yes. There's a video somewhere here of an early beetle that had hand-crank capability, so it's something Volkswagen moved away from.

[zakhanson]

looks like you fan belt is a bit loose

[ValkingParaWinger]

@zakhanson Probably was three years ago when I filmed this... Wait a minute, I'm pretty bad about loose belts, I probably need to tighten it again... (grin) Thanks!

[stickom]

How crank don't hit you back when the engine starts?

[ValkingParaWinger]

@stickom The point where the crank is engaging is a rotary inclined plane with a sort-of-a hook to it. If the handle it turning faster than the engine, it's engaged, if the engine rotates faster than the handle the engine bolt forces the handle out of engagement and you don't get hit.

[ValkingParaWinger]

It's pretty simple german engineering really. The point where the crank is engaging is a rotary inclined plane with a sort-of-a hook to it. If the handle it turning faster than the engine, it's engaged, if the engine rotates faster than the handle the engine bolt forces the handle safely out of engagement, thus preventing the beating to death you mention. I really don't think being killed by the process is a worry though. Gotta love those Volkswagens.

[ValkingParaWinger]

Turn off the ignition switch (turn the key to the off position).

[k0namiman]

I couldn't help but notice how you hold the crank- you shouldn't wrap your thumb around the crank, if the engine kicks back, it'll break your thumb.

[robinbowmaker]

Okay where can I get the crank handle? And will this work on any 1600 VW engine. I've got a 181 (73) and this is the first I've ever heard of this.

[SuperHashashin]

2 people like replacing starters

[halverdha1]

thats what that is, i have my dads thing in my garage never knew about that

[Trompetteenchamade]

@userunavailable3095 Oh, yes it has a fan...the engine wouldn't last but a few minutes without it. It's a centrifugal fan enclosed in a shroud at the front end of the generator. The fan is mounted to the generator armature shaft.

[userunavailable3095]

@zakhanson If I'm not mistaken, air cooled engines don't have fan belts. There isn't any fan or radiator visible. I'm not sure what that belt is driving, but it looks like an alternator or generator.