The Ford Barn - View Single Post - Model A motor froze-up

Joe K · 08-18-2013, 01:47 PM

I would remove the starter and try to pull it over by hand with a crank first. (that eliminates the jammed bendix possibility right away.)

THEN maybe go into lubricant/solvent mode for a while doing all the suggestions each time trying the hand crank to move it.

THEN maybe the dowel in the spark plug hole (careful - go easy - you don't want to punch a hole in the top of the piston.) Maybe alternate with compressed air on a cylinder which seems not leaky and the valves are closed (one of these is sure to be so.)

THEN maybe take a step back, get yer tools out and start by taking the head off. Rinse and repeat with the 2x4 like the dowel trick, but the larger impact area will allow you greater impact/force.

THEN MAYBE go forward with a more complete disassembly in place to determine the place where it is binding. You may find one piston hung up if you have/had a coolant leak unknown in the past.

About then I would pull the engine and tear it down formally after proper introductions. No more Mr/Ms nice person.

Joe K

08-18-2013, 01:47 PM	#11
Joe K Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Cow Hampshire Posts: 4,188	Re: Model A motor froze-up I would remove the starter and try to pull it over by hand with a crank first. (that eliminates the jammed bendix possibility right away.) THEN maybe go into lubricant/solvent mode for a while doing all the suggestions each time trying the hand crank to move it. THEN maybe the dowel in the spark plug hole (careful - go easy - you don't want to punch a hole in the top of the piston.) Maybe alternate with compressed air on a cylinder which seems not leaky and the valves are closed (one of these is sure to be so.) THEN maybe take a step back, get yer tools out and start by taking the head off. Rinse and repeat with the 2x4 like the dowel trick, but the larger impact area will allow you greater impact/force. THEN MAYBE go forward with a more complete disassembly in place to determine the place where it is binding. You may find one piston hung up if you have/had a coolant leak unknown in the past. About then I would pull the engine and tear it down formally after proper introductions. No more Mr/Ms nice person. Joe K __________________ Shudda kept the horse.