Seized

External Since: Oct 28, 2005 Posts: 3

I have a 1953 F-100 with the original drive train. I had some serious health
problems for a few years and was unable to use my truck. When I was finally
able to get around again I wanted to take the truck for a spin. Well, the
engine is now seized. It ran like we the people before my illness. I think
that maybe the rings rusted to the cylinder walls due to condensation.
Anyone out there have any suggestions? TIA.

External Since: May 13, 2005 Posts: 17

Well, there is always the "Remove plugs, spray WD-40 in hole" trick you can
use. Let it sit for a day or so, then put a breaker-bar on the crank pulley
bolt and give it a turn (don't force it or break the bolt!).

You didn't mention if it had a stick-clutch or automatic setup... I've seen
clutch disks stick to flywheels too... depressing the clutch pedal wouldn't
free it, but it was obvious once the starter tried to engage and tried to
move the P/U at the same time!

You still have to be careful because valves can stick in the open position
as well... at this point, it may be worth pulling the rocker cover(s) and
checking each valve as well. A light tap or push on each valve can determine
if things are okay there as well. Also, loosen the accessory belt(s) and
make sure the water pump, generator, and whatever else is there is free to
rotate.

Also, starter motors themselves can be seized... so without further detail,
hard to make any more suggestions. Don't forget to check and change the oil
and coolant before you really try to fire it up!

If you do get it running, don't push it until it warms up to operating temp
at idle... gives things a chance to loosen up and get the new oil
circulating... then use some crankcase flush, then change the oil again.
I've installed a few used junkyard engines in cars and they can take 2 or 3
oil changes and a few hours running before oil pressure and such gets up to
stuff and things start working properly, lifters quiet down and such. The
trick is to assume it is all gunked up and needs to be cleaned up and
varnish and stuff have to be rinsed out.

Good luck!

Smile

Tex

"Tony" wrote in message

>I have a 1953 F-100 with the original drive train. I had some serious
>health problems for a few years and was unable to use my truck. When I was
>finally able to get around again I wanted to take the truck for a spin.
>Well, the engine is now seized. It ran like we the people before my
>illness. I think that maybe the rings rusted to the cylinder walls due to
>condensation. Anyone out there have any suggestions? TIA.
>