HELP! - Engine locked up!

[vdubdriver]

Here's the story. I pulled the 1600cc motor from the car to clean it up and fix multiple oil leaks. I cleaned everything up, honed the cylinders and installed new piston rings. The end play was good, so I re-installed the same 3 shims at the flywheel end. Prior to the first startup, I removed the coil wire and primed the oil system by turning the motor over using the starter (until the oil pressure light went out).

I started the motor and ran it at varying speeds before going for a short test ride. After stopping the car, I checked the engine temp (by hand), and it was fine. The following day, I decided to do the 'shake down' run by driving the car to work. After a 20 mile highway trip, I let off of the gas as I drove down the exit ramp. As soon as I let off the gas, the car stalled. Thinking it would start right up, I popped the clutch with the car in 2nd gear. Nothing!! After stopping the car, I checked the engine temp (by hand), and it was fine. Operating the starter, I only heard the solenoid click. I ended up using my towbar to get the car home.

Initially, I thougth I possibly had multiple problems (bad battery, bad starter, bad coil). I ruled out the starter and battery. After ruling out the starter and battery, I tried rotating the engine via the crank pulley bolt and son-of-a -#!$@&, the engine is locked up.

So far, I have only removed the spark plugs; still no rotation on the motor via a wrench on the crank pulley bolt. Here's where I'm looking for advice. Should I put oil, WD-40, or PB blaster down the spark plug holes to try to loosen the motor up? Something else??? I don't understand what caused the motor to lock up, the idiot oil light did not go on and the engine temp seemed fine.

[Pikeman]

Brian, what does the oil in the crankcase look like? Smell or look burnt? It could have locked up on top-pistons, or down below-rods or mains. A 50-50 mix of acetone and ATF in the cylinders will help loosen it up if the pistons are stuck.

[vdubdriver]

Sept 22, 2012 18:47:06 GMT -5 Pikeman said:

Brian, what does the oil in the crankcase look like? Smell or look burnt? It could have locked up on top-pistons, or down below-rods or mains. A 50-50 mix of acetone and ATF in the cylinders will help loosen it up if the pistons are stuck.

thanks Paul.

I haven't drained the oil yet, but the oil on the dipstick looks normal.

[SplashBug]

will engine turn over with clutch in? If it does your transmission may be stuck in gear.

[vdubdriver]

Sept 22, 2012 20:21:54 GMT -5 SplashBug said:

will engine turn over with clutch in? If it does your transmission may be stuck in gear.

Thanks for the reply.
The transmission shifts fine. I towed it home in neutral. It shifts in and out of every gear. I put it in neutral when trying to rotate the motor via the crank bolt..

[gokart]

I was in Coloma today. I could have come by and pointed at things.

I might be available Sunday. When do you think you might try to work on it?

[MadMike]

did u check the end gap on the rings? if they are to tight it will sieze when warmed up :or maybe the flywheel came loose?

[vdubdriver]

Sept 22, 2012 21:23:40 GMT -5 gokart said:

I was in Coloma today. I could have come by and pointed at things.

I might be available Sunday. When do you think you might try to work on it?

Thanks Ed. I've got a couple of softball games today (sunday). I'll be working on this when I get the spare time.

[vdubdriver]

Sept 23, 2012 6:04:35 GMT -5 MadMike said:

did u check the end gap on the rings? if they are to tight it will sieze when warmed up :or maybe the flywheel came loose?

thanks Mike. I did NOT measure the end gap on the rings. With this being a possibility, should I just pull the engine and not try to free the locked up engine while in the vehicle.

[Pikeman]

Brian, I would pull it and take the top end off, if the flywheel does not appear to be the problem. I would hate to see you bend a rod over a stuck piston issue.

[gokart]

How do you get the cylinders off if the pistons are stuck in them?

If you want them, I have a used set of 1500 piston/cyl with new rings in the box.

[67type1]

Hi Brian, sorry to jump in late (way too much going on...)

I have an engine stand you can borrow if you need one. Another option is maybe bring it over sometime next week and we can work it. Let me know. Thanks

[vdubdriver]

Thanks Ray. I have an engine stand. I've got a lot going on right now too. I don't know when I'll get around to pulling the engine. Hopefully, later this fall. I appreciate the offer. I'll let you know what I find when I get the motor apart.

[ainokea]

Didnt measure flywheel end play. Main bearing siezed to crank, thats one posibility. Did you change the exhaust valves when you did the pistons and cylinders? Posibile dropped valve head in the combustion chamber. Reconditioned p & c's, rod bearing siezed? Please post up the problem when you find it.

Ainokea

[vdubdriver]

Well, I finally got the chance to put my engine on the stand. The heads and cylinders came right off with no persuasion needed. For whatever reason, the crank is locked up. At this point, I' m not going to bother opening the case. It's a 60"s case with single relief and small oil galleries. I have an AS41 case that has not been bored an looks like a great candidate for a rebuild.