Engine barring device

In an engine having a crankshaft, a flywheel with a plurality of external teeth thereon connected to the crankshaft, a starting system including a source of pressurized fluid, a fluid starting motor and a conduit means connecting the source of pressurized fluid to the fluid starting motor, and a device for rotating the crankshaft of the engine, said device comprising:

• a housing connected to the engine, said housing having a through bore therein;
• a shaft extending through the bore and having opposite ends, said shaft being adapted for both axial and rotational movement within the bore;
• a gear connected to one end of the shaft, said shaft being axially movable in a first direction to a first position so that the gear and the flywheel are in driving relationship;
• means for holding the shaft at the first position while leaving said shaft free for rotational movement;
• a tool engaging portion adapted to receive a turning tool;
• means for locking the shaft at one of a plurality of rotational positions;
• and
• means for disabling the starting system when the shaft is moved to the first position.

A method for rotating a crankshaft of an engine, having a flywheel with a plurality of external teeth thereon connected to the crankshaft, the improvement comprising the steps of:

• axially moving a shaft having a gear connected at one end in a first direction to a first position, wherein the gear and the flywheel are drivingly connected;
• holding the shaft in the first position;
• engaging a tool with a tool engaging portion of the shaft;
• rotating the shaft and the crankshaft with the tool, to one of a plurality of rotational positions and locking the shaft at the one of the rotational positions.