Tips on How to Free a Seized Engine

If you are trying to free a seized engine there are a few things you need to know. Fixing an engine instead of replacing it can sometimes be a very thrifty and rewarding thing to do. As well it is an experience that will give you a much better appreciation for your motorized tools and automobiles.

The first thing you need to know is the exact model and year the engine you are trying to repair is. That way you will be able to look for parts in a catalogue, and search for a repair manual to aid you as you are attempting to fix it.

Once you have determined the model check to make sure that parts are still readily available for that motor. Sometimes a simple part can cost more then purchasing a different engine that will work for what you plan to do with it. This will also be handy in the fact that you will probably have less to do to have it running properly then you would with the other engine.

Once you have determined that the best course is to revive the engine, you should try to pour a product designed to lubricate pistons and get the engine unstuck into the oil spout. One of these products is called Seafoam. After you have let it sit inside the engine, for the recommended amount of time. Do your best to turn the engine over with a wrench. You will probably need a pipe to go on the wrench in order to get more leverage. if the engine was pistons were rusted into place and the product worked you should be able to turn. If it is tight turn it a couple more times and see if it loosens up. To get the sea foam out change the motor oil.

If this does not work you can take the heads off of the engine and hit the pistons with a rubber mallet. This might get them to loosen up and move. If that does not work you might have to see what other people have done for your specific model motor. Someone has probably written a book about rebuilding your engine and that could greatly help you. If all else fails you should get another used, but running engine that is the same and use the first one for parts. And most of all remember while you're doing this that this is a project and even if things do not work you at least learned something from the experience.