I've started my 1928 Chevy with a 4 cylinder, as well as numerous old engines I've collected that only have a hand crank to start.
Holding the crank properly is very important for your safety, a fingers and palm only grip, don't use your thumb unless you want to loose it.
Plan to fit a hand crank starter to one of my Detroit diesels just for fun, we'll see how it goes :-)
Grigg
