Dumb engine question

[orangecherokee]

I've never really tore into an engine. I've just done small stuff like replacing the intake, pumps, rear main seal, etc. Can you rehab a seized up motor? Is it worth it? I've just always wondered if it can be done. Thanks

[Gambler68]

yeah. pull the heads and soak with (insert anything here..water..oil..marvel mystery oil, diesel fuel). It all works to free up the pistons. Don't give the crank one big huzzah, let it soak and try turning a little per day.

[Ronson]

If you haven't already, just squirt some oil down the plug holes. Sometimes if it won't spin one way, try the other. Generally, considerable life is taken off an engine after it has been seized, and most that I have dealt with had a relatively short, smoky life afterwards.If it is truly seized after that, it will most likely be a rebuild. It might be enough to get you through the rest of the weekend or back to the trailer, etc. At off road races I've seen people remove a whole piston/Connecting rod assy and the rocker arms for one or two cylinders just to finish a race.

[Desert Beast]

as in get it running for now, or rebuild it. short of a cracked cyl, most can be rebuilt. get it punched out, new rings, maybe slugs, and bearings and run it.

is this just an old motor sitting or was it running when it seized?

[orangecherokee]

just a question. sometimes you see seized motors for cheap and I was just wondering if those are worth anything. I wouldn't try and run it but I would bore it and try

[tgreese]

When you say siezed, you mean just from sitting in the weather? Usually those can be freed and will run. If it's locked up because of some great engine catastrophe (overheating, no oil, etc.) then I wouldn't bother unless its a rare motor (Duesenberg or such).

[shepherdskeep]

I wouldn't buy a seized motor - might take one if someone offered it for free though. Keep an eye out, I picked up two good 360's for $50 not long ago.