The transmission is out of the car.

1. Can I still start the engine with the key to turn it over?
2. Or do I have to turn it over manually to see if it turns?
3. If manually, how do I do it?

Thank you.

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Ray

1980 300SD (Anthrcite Gray) 253,108 miles
1982 300SD (Silver Blue) 242,398 miles
1982 300SD (Black) 263,185 miles

There is a large nut on the front of the crank. I remember it being SAE 1 1/16th inch but I can't remember the metric size.

If you look for the big pulley in the middle of the lower front part of the engine you'll be able to imagine that nut being in the middle of that pulley. A mirror will help you get the feel for where it is located. Unfortunate, it's tough to get a socket in that space with a mirror in the way.

Remember to turn your engine clockwise, ONLY clockwise. That's looking at the front of the engine clockwise. Think of tightening this bolt and you'll be turning it the correct way. If you turn it far in the other direction it will do damage to the engine.

If you remove the glowplugs the engine will turn much easier due to relieving the engine of compression.

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84 300SD
85 380SE
83 528e
95 318ic

The engine should run with out the tranny in the car. You might have to jump wire the neutral safety switch.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.