Newbie question.

I have a Caterpillar 12 serial # 9K3932. I am wondering what the port on the rear of the machine is for? it is covered by a round plate that swings out of the way to expose a shaft with a "T". It seems like it receives a hand crank for turning the motor. The mechanism looks like it has a gear that disingages when the engine starts. That being said, I think it would take a 500 pound gorilla on steroids to hand crank the thing. Any help would be appreciated.

Regards.

I see mention of the hand crank in some of the service manuals......they are being used to roll over the engine for timing checks, valve adjustment etc. Kind of a carry over thing from former engines. Would agree, it would take a lot of beef to crank start the D4600. Also perilous even if you could do it:rolleyes: