I'm putting a clutch / pressure plate / throw out bearing in my '83 12A, and when trying to break loose the bolts on the pressure plate, I was able to turn the engine over fairly easily. Is this normal, or do I have a compression problem?

Thanks,
David

 

Don't worry. it's normal.

 

With the car out of gear you can turn the main crank with your hand, assuming you've got pretty strong hands. If the plugs are out, it becomes even easier. It's perfectly normal which is why you need a flywheel stopper to be able to undo the big forkin' bolt holding the flywheel to the engine (should you ever wish to do so).

Jon