Yes, you can hand-crank your 216, but do as Hotrod Lincoln says. The ignition timing should be set pretty close to TDC, as is the spec. The kick-back problem usually occurs if the timing is too far advanced, but a cold start with insufficient choke sometimes will lead to that as well. And don't try a hot start with ether priming if you have trouble with hot starts. Turn the engine a couple of turns with the ignition off, to get the feel of the action, then get a stable stance so you don't slip, keep your knees and shins away from the crank handle, then go ahead- with the ignition on. Try it with the warm engine first. And keep your head away from the crank. It isn't as dangerous as many think it is, just be careful. And make sure the transmission is in neutral and the parking brake set. I say that because a 3- or 4-speed transmission in 1st gear will roll the vehicle slowly enough when you crank the engine that you may not notice the movement with a half turn of the crank. Or there may be no movement with the first half turn, because of gear lash. But if the engine starts with that half turn... what more do I need say. In the past, it was common to park vehicles with the transmission in 1st or reverse gear, rather than use the parking brake. This was common in northern climates because parking brake cables often froze in winter months, so old habits tend to persist.
I have cranked quite a few of those engines, and others, without any incident.
Harvester
