19 replies to this topic

[slidingdog]

Hi, looking for some advice for my '83 998 - it's been in storage for about 12 years. Bear in mind I have very little experience working on cars, this is day one of my first project, so please treat me like the idiot that I am....

 

I've read a lot of posts about turning it by hand to check the engine's not seized, I tried this today after pouring some 20w50 through the spark plug holes. I put it in 4th gear then jacked it up so one of the front wheels was off the floor, and couldn't turn the front wheel at all (other than some play a degree or 2 either way). I haven't tried turning the crankshaft pulley bolt as I don't have the right size spanner/socket, will order one tomorrow.

 

Does anyone have any starting points to help diagnose the issue? Should I just give the oil more time to work it's way down?

 

TIA,

 

Tim

[steeley]

Try putting in diesel not oil

[Gilles1000]

It could also be that the brakes are seized if you try to turn at the wheel.

Can you push the car in neutral? Altough here the hand brake could also be an issue.

 

I would jack up the car and check the rear brakes if they are stuck or not. Same for the front.

[sonscar]

Of course this sounds stupid but you did not refit the spark plugs?did you?It could be rusted bores but it could be stuck valves.Be patient.Steve..

[Dusky]

If it's only doing this in gear, the rings are locked up in the bores.
Buy a good penetrating oil. Preferably one based on graphite/molybdenum.

[mab01uk]

As said 20w50 oil is too thick to free things off use diesel fuel or a good thin penetrating oil and leave in the cylinder bores for a few days.

How was the car stored, in a dry garage or outside?

Edited by mab01uk, 28 November 2020 - 09:55 AM.

[Maccmike8]

From a leverage perspective would it not increase your hand torque by putting it in 1st gear rather than 4th?

[phillrulz]

+1 have you got all the plugs out, Dont want to be fighting the engine compression. 

[whistler]

If pistons are seized then it's likely the oil rings have rusted and stuck to the bore. As others have said, waste of time with engine oil. Use diesel, kerosene (paraffin), atf or penetration oil like plus gas or duck oil and leave it soak for a week.

[slidingdog]

Thanks all for the replies - much appreciated.

The plugs were out, and the wheel turned freely in neutral, so sounds like stuck rings. It was in a dry garage in storage (integral time house not outbuilding).

I have some plus gas in the garage so will suck out as much oil as I can and get some of that down there 👍

Thanks again,
Tim

[alex-95]

I thought my engine was seized but turned out to be just the fan belt seized onto all the pulleys so could be the same on yours.

[slidingdog]

Thanks Alex, I’ll check that too.

[GraemeC]

Remove the fan belt completely - the water pump could be so corroded inside that it may be stuck solid with alloy corrosion deposits.

[Cooperman]

If it has been stood for so long you would be advised to change the water hoses. With this in mind, why not take the radiator out and use a big ring spanner or socket on the front pulley nut to turn it over. As above, pour a load of diesel fuel into each bore and allow it to soak in for a few days first.

If you can get it turning over freely, flush out the radiator, fit the new hoses, new plugs, new points (if you have points ignition), check the valve clearances (12 thou will be fine), change the oil and filter, check the ignition timing, fit a battery, spin it over with the plugs out until you get good oil pressure and have blown the diesel residue out, put in some new petrol, fit the new plugs and fire it up.

[sonscar]

The alternator on mine siezed up one winter,engine cranked slowly burst into life and screamed the fan belt to shreds.Worth loosening the belt as has been mentioned.Steve..