It's a nice looking engine but only one flywheel??
Yes, all Hamworthy close coupled compressor sets are like this, and as a result they are seriously out of balance when running.
Then at the end, I see the old coot come out with a crank handle and wind it over with little effort!
WTF??
Ever tried to start an engine on the handle after standing that length of time, not an easy proposition.
The reason why it subsequently starts easily on the handle, is because the engine is warmed up and compression is restored.
I don't know a lot about front wheel drive cars but I do know with the wrong sort of trans, the thing could want to drive itself even with one wheel up. Might have some sort of lock up clutch in the diff or engage at a certain speed etc.
That's a Ford Escort MKIII van, no limited slip differential in that vehicle.
The planet gears in the differential had a workout on this occasion.
it may just be he was trying to start it with it's low compression set, which I thought was basically impossible even when the engine is hot?
So how would this work on say a 6/1 startomatic set, are they left in the high compression all the time to guarantee a cold start?
I knew of a Lister FR2 Startomatic set which was at all times left in the low compression setting, but it needed a good set of batteries to ensure it started.