Freeing up a locked up motor?

[thefairlaneman]

Re: Freeing up a locked up motor?

Another method,,,,,Place a strong socket on the flywheel nut. Next connect the socket to a good 3/4 inch air wrench with at least 180psi air supply and then operate the wrench in forward position untill the compressor drains itself of air............on second thought maybe you need to disregard everything I just said.

 

[Mick UK]

Re: Freeing up a locked up motor?

right so if I just remove the lower unit and the engine turns then I know where my trouble lies. Any ideas on freeing up the lower unit if this proves to be the problem?

Shame I don't have an airline that idea sounded like a real winner...

 

[CharlieB]

Re: Freeing up a locked up motor?

I suggest stopping by or calling the oldest auto repair shop in your area and ask them what penetrating oil is available. Mechanics run into frozen bolts all over the world, there must be similar products available to them.

Forcefully turning the crankshaft with a socket can break a rusted piston ring or the ring land on the piston. Patience, time, oil, and gentle rocking of the flywheel.

The 3/4 drive air gun is a recipe for disaster, using something that strong, with that much force, and you only hope that it is not stripped threads on the crankshaft.

I have had some success with a small 1/4 gun, adaptor and socket, that didn't have any real power but it did what amounted to a high frequency, vibration, which if I was able to count the 'turns' could have been equal to attempting to turn it by hand once or twice a day for a number of weeks.


It is normal for many models of gearcases for the prop to rotate/ratchet in one direction by the design of the engagement dogs. It is possible that there is a problem locking up the gearset.

 

[Mick UK]

Re: Freeing up a locked up motor?

Hi CharlieB

Yes I was joking about the airline - I think the thefairlaneman was having a bit of a laugh too!

I'm gonna try to separate the lower unit from the motor and see if that is seized, as I noticed that when I pulled the plugs, they were coated in oil, as though they had been oiled before the engine was laid up - maybe for wintering(?) so perhaps my trouble is lower down, as you said in the gearset...

Will keep you all posted - thanks again or all your advice, it is very much appreciated

Cheers

Mick

 

[iwombat]

Re: Freeing up a locked up motor?

Mick, diesel and automatic transmission fluid mixed 1:1 works wonders. It's cheap, and available world-wide.

I think you're on the right track though of separating the LU before doing any work on the powerhead. Divide and conquer.

 

[ezeke]

Re: Freeing up a locked up motor?

I wish you would be serious. My wife just gave me hell for stealing her maple syrup.

 

[iwombat]

Re: Freeing up a locked up motor?

Hey, remember half of that syrup is yours!




mmm . . . syrup . . .

 

[Willyclay]

Re: Freeing up a locked up motor?

The lower unit issue could be as simple as the lack of gear lube or the wrong type of gear lube. Don't assume the worst until you have eliminated some of the other options. Get a manual. Good luck!