12 replies to this topic

[Deev]

So just when I thought the saga of my eternal RSP restoration (rant-documented elsewhere) was coming to an end I just had a phone call from the garage fitting it back up to learn that, now that they've got the necessary mechanics reassembled, the engine is seized - no doubt due to being sat for five years (despite the previous garage claiming to have kept it turning over - although given pretty much everything else he told me was a massive work of fiction, I'm not entirely surprised to find this is too). The garage has tried tow-starting it to get things moving but to no avail. He's dumped some oil down the bores and is going to leave it for a couple of days to penetrate before getting a breaker bar on the crank pulley but, given how sod's law has otherwise shone on this restore, I'm not hoping for the best...

 

So what do we think my options are if this fails? I'm expecting some significant rebuild work - but any idea what that's likely to cost me? I'm loathe to give up on this engine completely as it (was!) a relatively good and low mileage lump.

 

Someone, somewhere, doesn't want me to get this car back...

 

 

[willava182]

I know how it feels!

Keep going it will be worth it to have that smile on your face when you drive it :)

[dklawson]

The garage has tried tow-starting it to get things moving but to no avail. He's dumped some oil down the bores and is going to leave it for a couple of days to penetrate before getting a breaker bar on the crank pulley but, given how sod's law has otherwise shone on this restore, I'm not hoping for the best...

 

If the engine did not turn over on the first go round, the garage should NOT have tried to tow start it.  They should have tried the oil and patience first.  I would be very, very concerned at this point.  Believe it or not, if the engine is still seized, this could be a good thing.  If it had broken free while towing there would be a good chance that they broke the rings.  They still might have broken rings so keep that in the back of your mind should the engine smoke badly after a few initial runs.

 

At this point ask the shop to try diesel down the bores, not oil, and ask them to work the crank using the breaker bar BOTH directions (clockwise and counterclockwise).  Give the diesel several days to work, don't rush.  When it does break free, remind them to turn the engine over through several revs to push as much of the diesel out that remains and have them change the oil as what's in the sump will likely be contaminated by diesel.

[ANON]

 The garage has tried tow-starting it to get things moving but to no avail. 

 

 

FLOL!!!! take the car off them and get it to someone who knows what they are doing.

 

as doug said, easiest way to make things worse.

[kezzkitkat]

I think id be considered just a rebuild that first mistake it a big no In my book

[Spider]

I think id be considered just a rebuild that first mistake it a big no In my book

 

+1. At least part strip it to confirm what the problem is, could lead to some serious damage.

[geoff-d]

Has anyone checked the bolts that hold the clutch slave cylinder on ? . If they are to long they hold the flywheel. Same thread as starter motor but shorter. 

[fwdracer]

Cut your losses. Get the car back off the numb nuts that have tried to tow start it. Beyond lunacy and fast track to complete damage. Pull the engine, inspect it all (head off and gearbox off) and rebuild it properly, minimum hone, new rings and cranks/big end bearings etc. You'll never know the provenance of what is in your RSP unless you do this....

[kezzkitkat]

There only going to diagnosis it with failed piston rings/value stem seal
If you can get it to run then behold the cloud of smoke
Seem like fool and probably forget about the oil burning

[Deev]

I'm rapidly running out of losses to cut with this project...

[Wise Old Elf]

I would pull the head off first and check nothing is wrong there.

If the engine is in the car and the head off I would lub the bores, jack up one wheel, put it in gear and try turning the road wheel back and forth.

Tow starting it is not a great way to go.

 

I have had a seized starter on a MG Metro cause what looked like a seized engine so take the starter out as well.

 

(My spelling is getting worse)

Edited by Wise Old Elf, 18 November 2014 - 05:10 PM.

[lsto]

Have started a few old Gardner lumps that have been sat out in the rain and seized. Stick some diesel down the bores and give it a few days to work. With a little gentle persuasion it can be freed.
If I was in your situation I would strip the engine and get it rebuilt. I know its soul destroying but get it done and its done then.

Good luck.

[mister bridger]

Thought my engine was seized the other day. No movement with the starter or by trying to push start it. Rocking it back and forth in gear freed up the stuck starter (newish, as is the flywheel/ring gear) and it's fine now, though I will have to have apart to check it. Worth checking.