What is ATF

Hi, I've got another stuck engine---what a surprise!!! I've often seen posts where the use of ATF is recommended. What is ATF? we probably just know it by a different name. Thanks for help MTF

Automatic Transmission Fluid, hope it works for you, I have a Super M that has been stuck for at least the last year and a half, i think that ATF is the only thing i haven't tried, good luck and don't be shy to share any tips, i need all the help i can get lol

Yep. Like he said.

Charles

Thank you thats what I thought it must be. This is entirely personal cos I know that there are many many unsticking remedies. BUT 8 times out of 10 I've ended up stripping and doing it gently? with a piece of hard wood and a hammer one piston at a time.(Problem is this time its a flat 4 M/C engine) I find doing it with a big hammer and letting the weight do the work is better than trying to hit it hard with a lighter one. Good luck MTF

KROIL is the best penetrant I've seen or used...comes from an outfit in Nashville Tenn.....KANO KROIL... Few weeks back I used ATF in a Farmall "A" engine that was full of water ,had been for a few years.two weeks later engine still froze, sprayed kroil in, three or four days later engine freed up.

Wild Bill

I used the ATF on a Farmall A in 1975 that was stuck and I don't think it was ever sheltered after it left the factory. I used a piece of 2 X 2 oak and tapped on the connecting rod and it came out. Some sleeves came out too with the pistons. A little heat from a torch freed the piston. Used all the old rods on the new pistons.

If ATF fails pour some kerosene or diesel on top of the piston and set them on fire. Don't do this near a building. Hal
PS: Do one at a time when doing this.

Mike,

I"ve heard all sorts of raves and rants about various penetrants and personally, I think they all work to some degree. There is no such thing as magic in a can, regardless of what the maker claims. Basically, they are nothing but extra fine oils and given time...they can USUALLY creep into threads and loosen things up. Gasoline is about as thin as they get be evaporates quickly..mix a little ATF with it...like 10 gas to 1 atf or maybe 5:1. It"s all about capillary action and once that has been established diesel or kero will follow the "capillaries". Kroil and Liquid wrench are good penetrators and I have a hard time thinking they are anything but thinned ATF.

ATF is one of the finest lubricants ever devised. It is highly refined and full of anti-foaming agents. There is no better gun-sewing machine-light machine oil made. It is of course, basically a hydraulic oil....as that is how an auto tranny works...by compressing the ATF. I use ATF in the hydraulic systems of all my older tractors with perfect results. If I knew which modern ATF formulation would be compatible with wet brakes and clutches...I"d use it in my newer machines as well. Sorry to digress from your original question...but ATF is one of our "wonder oils" use it freely!

Mike, my own mix of a "Witches Brew" used to free up a stuck engine consists of Auto Tranny Fluid (ATF),,,Diesel Fuel,,,,,,Brake Fluid.

My middle son (Marine, Secret Service Agent, CIA) has an interview with the "ATF" but thats the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms. I bet they can blow up a stuck engine lol

John T

I run the used stuff through a filter setup and run it 50/50 in my diesel truck. Runs perfectly.

As you have seen, it's transmission fluid. I believe they have added explosives to the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

Gene

Anybody tried this stuff?

www.nnalert
Engine release

Mike, would it be pssible to prop that old BMW up one side at a time and soak those pistons loose? I hate to see you hit it with the BFH.

One thing I haven"t seen mentioned here is liquid nitrogen. Good for all sorts of things around the shop for which you can"t use heat. About $1.50 a quart. Keep it in an old semen tank.

Hi nice bit of guess work except its a four cylinder Honda. So maybe if I use anything real strong it will just plain melt.Thanks guys. MTF

I forgot about the Hondas. Someone let a Gold Wing set out long enough to get stuck? Oh, the shame!

try again



http://www.seized-engine.com/

Hi
Mark has it 100% correct, I have been using my "secret formula" for many years on stuck motors. It's gasoline and whatever oil I have on hand, some is better than others (ATF first choice) but whatever Is handiest. Works as good as anything no matter how much you spend. And one more thing, our tranny man at the Buick garage had the cleanest hands in the place, washed em in tranny fluid every day.
Bob S.

ATF is Automatic Transmission Fluid. I've freed up many engines with PB Blaster and I've had the best luck with PB Blaster.

8 years. Bummer. MTF

Everybody has a solution to freeing a stuck engine. I have good luck,fill the cylinder with atf,Make a fitting for the sparkplug hole, use a grease gun. Have to loosen the valves so they are closed. Works for me. Have also used hydraulic pump from another tractor. Bernie Steffen