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engines seem locked up

Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2018 11:56 pm
by legendlc
So I was just able to get my new to me big M home and started going through the systems. I was able to get a socket on the crank nut and with my ratchet and no pry bar I was not able to turn over either engine. My boat was a great deal and I did not get a survey or do a lot of recon. My 440's are closed cooled and I have receipts for a rebuild in 2000 on both engines. They were winterized and fogged but have set for around 8 years. Oil looks fresh in both motors but looks very low in both of them. I was hoping a accessory such as a water pump or alternator was froze but I assume that the belt would slip on the pulley if that were the case......So I am guessing I am looking at 2 locked up 440's. Does anyone have any ideas on where to go from here? I have heard about pulling the plugs and running trans fluid, mmo, penetrating oil etc on the pistons. Has anyone ever had success with this? If they are a total loss how would one go about rebuilding them and getting them out of the boat? I feared this the case after sitting so long but after I saw all the receipts I was optimistic I would get lucky. I should have known lol. I think Im still okay for my purchase price but it looks like its going to be a long time before she gets her belly wet again.

Re: engines seem locked up

Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2018 1:32 am
by Busia
If you are not a mechanic now, you will be by the time you are done. Simple problem solved with a lot of time and hard work, hopefully not a lot of money. First, have good tools, don't waste your time and money on junk. (don't waste it on Snap-on either). I would remove all the fan belts -save them- then all the spark plugs. Pump lots of oil into each cylinder and down the carb too if you want. I like transmission fluid, but any light oil or MMO. Let it set and do it again. Lots of oil, if it runs out all over that is good. It's just good clean oil and you can wipe up the mess later. Try to turn the crankshaft. Both ways. If it breaks free good, put more oil in them. If not, more oil. When you break it free, oil it up and keep turning it. When it turns easily, more oil and spin it with the starter. Hopefully it is rings stuck to the cylinders and you can break them free. Rust is never good, but if you can oil them up and spin them I would run them as is and see if you can get by. That said, if you have unlimited cash and want less worries, pull them and rebuild them.-- Good luck!

Re: engines seem locked up

Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2018 5:41 am
by legendlc
When purchasing I assumed they had issues but after seeing all receipts I became optimistic. How does one even pull these engines out? My thought is if they unstick, on startup I would spin a bearing if it is rusted also lol.

Re: engines seem locked up

Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2018 5:46 am
by Tuggle
Will second the above, pull the plugs, liberally spray the cylinders with Marvel Mystery Oil or PB Blaster, let sit for a day or so, disconnect the coil, lay a large towel over the engine and try and turn it over. Hopefully the fogging just has them gummed up real bad and the solvents will free them. Like that "unlimited cash" part.

Re: engines seem locked up

Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2018 6:22 am
by Fastjeff
All good ideas. I usually get them to rotate by using a pry bar on the flywheel teeth. You get more leverage that way.

Good luck! I have a feeling you'll be okay.

Jeff

Re: engines seem locked up

Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2018 11:58 am
by Busia
Bearings won't rust to the crankshaft as they are not iron to iron. Worst are cast iron rings to a cast iron block. Hopefully you have chrome rings. Your receipts might show part numbers for the rings. Till then, put on old clothes, use lots of oil and hope for the best. Change the engine oil often. Before you run them and soon after.--Good Luck and take lots of pictures

Re: engines seem locked up

Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2018 6:20 pm
by legendlc
Thanks yes the first owner did lots to the boat, rebuillt engines, all new stainless rails, imron paint, closed cooling, new exhaust mufflers, new wiring, spare everything, it's the second owner that I worry about the service side. I know it was fogged and winterized plus it is already closed cooled so hoping hoping I can get lucky. What do they say first owner is the one the takes care of things the second owner is the party boat and the third is a labor of love. I think I heard that somewhere. PS how do I upload pics. I tried to find instructions but must have missed them.

Re: engines seem locked up

Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2018 10:33 pm
by legendlc
Here she is in 2003 o think this was witihn a couple of years of her last days on the water before she went to a storage yard.

Re: engines seem locked up

Posted: Sat Jun 09, 2018 5:41 am
by Fastjeff
Nice boat.

Jeff

Re: engines seem locked up

Posted: Sat Jun 09, 2018 8:18 am
by legendlc
Thanks for the rotation. I have a lot to learn on the big M's. I absolutely love the design and the construction. It blows me away to look and see how well they are put togeather. I purchased a unknown project that at one time was a nice boat. Currently I have lots of investigating to do. It is somewhat overwhelming but I will manage. Getting these engines freed up is priority number 1.