Crankshaft Spline on M25-XP

[DaveM]

Does anyone happen to know the spline size on the forward end of the crankshaft of an M25-XP.  I wanted to get a socket for it so I could easily rotate the shaft when adjusting the valves.  Thanks
Good Winds
Dave M

[Stu Jackson]

It's not a socket fitting, it's a ridged shaft.  Best bet would be vice grips.

[Ken Juul]

When I adjusted my valves I just used a wrench on the alternator nut.  If it slips just adjust the belt too tight, then readjust when you are done.  Seems like it was a 9/16 or 5/8 wrench, but not for sure.  It was a common one I had in the tool box.

[Ron Hill]

Dave : Do NOT use vice grips on that spline !! 
There is a nut that holds the drive pulley on the crank shaft.  There is a plyable washer behind that nut with it's tabs bent to act like a lock washer.  If you slightly bend those tabs back you can get a deepwell socket on that nut. As I recall the socket size is 1 1/8" or 1 1/4" ?? 

I use that socket with a ratchet to turn over the engine by hand after long layups.  That gets the "juices flowing" (oil) into the upper unit. 
You can also accomplish the same by hitting the starter (raw water thru hull off) with the fuel cut off pulled.  Or you can spin the engine with the decompression lever engaged.  The whole idea is to get lubrication going inside the engine BEFORE "ignition/compression" in the cylinders.  A few thoughts. 

[DaveM]

Thanks All

The socket on the alternator or the crankshaft nut sounds better than a $50 spline socket.  I think I have a deep socket that will fit the crankshaft nut that I bought to tighten the keel bolt nuts.  To be honest, I cringed a little about vise grips on a spline.  Appreciate it.
Good Winds
DaveM

[Ron Hill]

Dave : Sorry, the keel bolt socket is not the same size as the retaining nut on the drive pulley!!