OK.... so having just changed the oil, etc, tomorrow my son wants to check the valve clearances - we think we're OK, apart from knowing where/how to rotate the crankshaft - it doesn't show it in the Haynes manual!

Almost certainly the easiest way would be to remove the spark plugs and rotate engine using the alternator / Aux. belt.

15 minutes ago, Warrior193 said:

Almost certainly the easiest way would be to remove the spark plugs and rotate engine using the alternator / Aux. belt.

I actually found this in a recent post here - Instead of taking right front wheel out to access the crankshaft pulley nut and use a wrench to rotate the crankshaft, we can just jack up the right front side of the car till the wheel is up in the air, engage 5th speed and rotate the wheel by hand to rotate the crankshaft. So it's not a method to 'reach the overlap', it's an easier method to rotate the crankshaft.

15 hours ago, Warrior193 said:

Almost certainly the easiest way would be to remove the spark plugs and rotate engine using the alternator / Aux. belt.

Would this method need the front wheel(s) off the ground?

18 minutes ago, TonyW1967 said:

Would this method need the front wheel(s) off the ground?

If you have Neutral in gear i don't think is needed.

43 minutes ago, TonyW1967 said:

Would this method need the front wheel(s) off the ground?

No, you will just be rotating engine in neutral gear.

Ensure engine is rotated in correct direction.

One advantage of this method is that it can be easily noted when relevant piston is at TDC.

4 minutes ago, Warrior193 said:

No, you will just be rotating engine in neutral gear.

Ensure engine is rotated in correct direction.

One advantage of this method is that it can be easily noted when relevant piston is at TDC.

Ah, thanks - which is the correct direction to rotate?

Verify which way engine rotates when cranked on starter.

4 hours ago, Warrior193 said:

Verify which way engine rotates when cranked on starter.

Well, we did it - everything appears to be working well, we even found have a metal circlip under the rocker cover (and no missing circlips!). Interestingly, we 'may' have turned the crankshaft in both directions, but nothing seems amiss.....