Frequently on here ,there are posts ( usually from newbies ) stating that their engine is " not cranking " or will not " crank over "
when their actual problem is the engine will not fire up and run.

Example
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/post...803-post6.html

Where did / does this originate ?

In 30 years of playing with cars I have never ( except online ) come across any mechanically minded person referring to a no start condition as
not cranking

 

I've wondered that numerous times myself.

 

The term "doesn't catch" has always been a mystery to me.

Another thing that puzzles me is when the engine isn't running well, the first thing people start messing with is ignition timing.

 

Hehe-the term comes even a older crowd than you guys.When you cranked the engine over with,yep,a crank out front.......................

 

I know where the term comes from ;
I was just looking for a logical ( asking too much ?) explanation of why guys nowadays think it relates to the engine running ?

To crank means to rotate the engine over either ; by hand as you say or with a starter.

In the good ole days , if a engine wouldn't " crank ' you could not turn it over with the crank handle .

 

I agree with vette.

 

internet mechanics---- the worst kind LOL

 

It's because people know so little about cars these days, even on a car forum. No average person can admit (even to themselves) how little they understand one of the central objects of their lives, so they spout all kinds of car words without having any understanding of what they mean, even if the terms should be obvious. Another example is how every front end problem is "a bad ball joint" even though they have no idea what that is.

 

Don't forget the venerable 'blown head gasket'

 

Agree,agree,agree.

 

Here's one I heard from a 16 y/o kid.....

It free revs fine but when it's in gear it's like pulling a trailer. I replied. Wth is free rev? LOL

 

I don't answer those people's questions online, they need real help. Like, "lefty loosey righty tighty" kind of help. If someone doesn't know that cranking it over is the act of the starter turning the motor (like the "crank" that cars originally had)... No amount of text I write will help them. Ever.