<VV> Seized Engine

[Larry Forman]

Hi Doc,
I would recommend the following in addition to some of the other suggestions:
1. Use Seafoam Creep.  Works like nothing else I have ever seen.  Works MUCH better than PB Blaster that I used to tell everyone about.
2. If after trying this for a week or so with nightly soakings, then remove the engine crankcase cover as well as the heads.  Remove one set of rod bolts as you are able to access them.  Then take a block of wood and a 4 pound hammer and see if you can pound on the crank offsets that connect to the rods and get anything to move.  I would avoid pounding on the end of a piston top since that will tend to destroy any rod bearings or bend rods.  You will likely need to rebuild the engine, but this is one way to lower the amount of seizure a little at a time, like one piston/jug at a time.  I was able to free up all six pistons/rings that had the carbs off and the engine sat outside for some time and there was some rust in every jug.  I thought I would never get the rings free.  But Seafoam Creep works pretty well.  Once I could get the crank to rotate by hitting the crank offset and unbolting one rod cap as I got access and then removed the piston and jug.  Keep working it back and forth as you are able and more soaking.  You should be able to get it free.
3. You might have had condensation rather than outright rain get into the cylinders to cause the rust.  If the engine has had rain in the heads especially if the carbs were off, you will definitely need to pull the heads off.  If the engine was stored indoors, then maybe you might get by with only Seafoam Creep.  I would still take off the engine top cover and then the heads as needed.

-- Larry



----- Original Message -----
From: RoboMan91324@aol.com
To: virtualvairs@corvair.org
Subject: <VV> Seized Engine
Date: Thu, 14 Oct 2004 12:18:15 EDT

> 
> Hi folks,
  Does anyone have a suggestion on what else I can do to get this thing 
> loose.  Is there another product other than Blaster that someone can recommend?  
> Is it advisable to pull the heads and beat on the top of the pistons with big 
> hammer and a block of wood?  
> 
> Thanks in advance,
> Doc