Patrolman previously posted:
"The engine is essentially a big pump, so it can pump tires up too in an emergency!"
Except most air compressors don't have a 3-inch diameter piston. Actually cranking the engine without starting it may well be enough to air up a tire.
This leads to a second thought, if you hold the gas pedal too the floor while you are cranking:
A fuel injected vehicle will not cycle the injectors. My understanding is this a pretty universal default for clearing an injected engine that is flooded.
A carbureted vehicle will not make enough vacuum to draw fuel through the idle or run circuits. All you get is the pump shot from pushing down the gas pedal. Disable the ignition and you are set to pump.