i assume you want to do this on the compression stroke of the cylinder so
that the rope isn't pushing against an open valve.  i've never tried it so
i'll have to remember it.

jonathan

On Tue, 31 Jan 2006, rpc wrote:

> Mike,
>  I know this wont help you now, but if anyone else is following your
saga, maybe this would help someone, someday:  Not sure if your wedge on
the pulley caused the broken piece, but to stop an engine from turning
over remove a spark plug. While the piston is down insert a length of
rope. Rotate the pulley until piston pushes the rope up to the head. If
there is enough rope it will stop the piston and the crankshaft will stop
rotating. I used this trick to change the pulley on my 63-1/2 Falcon years ago.
>  Good Luck,
>  Chris C 90MV