starting a previously stuck engine: precautions?

mike_sdak · Jun 15, 2012

I have an SMTA which ran fine up until 2008. After a year or two of sitting (out in the elements), the engine stuck.

I poured various penetrants (ATF/Acetone, PB blaster, etc) into the plug holes over the next several years.

Last night, I removed the starter, and managed to turn the engine over with a pry bar. It turned pretty stiffly at first. I then removed the rocker assembly and all the spark plugs (one plug hole gushed out ATF). I turned the engine more with the prybar - it got quite a bit easier to turn.

Before starting, I thought I would do the following: 1. crank with plug holes open, to empty fluids from combustion chambers 2. change oil

Is there anything I am overlooking? Are stuck valve tappets possible?

Thanks a bunch,

rustyfarmall · Jun 15, 2012

Yes, stuck valves are a definite possibility. Squirt some penetrating oil around each valve stem and then gently tap on the stem with a hammer. If any are stuck, you will know it because they won't return all the way. Usually more penetrating oil and more tapping will cure it.

Everything else you mentioned sounds good.

Brownie 450 · Jun 15, 2012

Russ is right, as usual. On the landlords one tractor that was stuck,after getting it loose, we had the plugs out & pulled it in high gear for a half mile. We stopped every so often & put penetrating oil in each of the cylinders.
That tractor ran perfectly when it started, & never smoked or used oil.

Duner Wi · Jun 15, 2012

I would back odd the valve adjusters so all valves are closes.
With piston at bottom of stoke I would fill cylinder with oil and use compressed air hooked to spark plug adapter to force oil down past the cylinder to wash away possible debris. Do this on all cylinders one at a time. Drain oil and fill with new oil. Check for stuck/sticking valves. Adjust valves lash and start it up.
Might be overkill but you seem to have pretty good patience. Good luck!

mike_sdak · Jun 15, 2012

Hey, thanks for the input! I need to pick up a spark plug - NPT adapter to allow coupling the air hose to the cylinders.

I neglected to mention: After removing the rocker assembly, I pushed down on each valve with the end of a hammer handle. Each valve opened and snapped shut. So that variable should be eliminated. If the tappets are frozen (don"t know if possible or not), would that hurt anything on cranking the engine?

mike_sdak · Jun 15, 2012

oops- see just below my initial post for an update.....forum newbie....

Duner Wi · Jun 15, 2012

From the way you describe things I doubt the tappets are froze. If they were froze that would not be good . I would say highly unlikely in your case.

starting a previously stuck engine: precautions?

mike_sdak

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rustyfarmall

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Brownie 450

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Duner Wi

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mike_sdak

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mike_sdak

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Duner Wi

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