How to tell if engine seized?

GaryFranks Learner Dubber

15 posts · joined Nov 2009 · 13 Jan 2010, 9:15 pm

#757478

Hi folks. I'm re-assembling a 71 beetle that I bought in pieces. The engine did seem to turn freely when it was out. Now that it is back in the car however, it doesn't seem to crank over very well.

I have tried a new starter, and checked all the earth straps. The pinion bush looks OK, and there is a relay connected for the solenoid activation.

How hard should it be to turn the engine by hand using a spanner on the main pulley? It doesn't turn at all now, even with the spark plugs removed and using a really decent amount of force. I've poured a small amount of wd40 in each bore as well.

I've never seen the engine running so suspect it may be dead.

Thanks in advance!
Gary

matberry Moderator Go hard or go home

8,114 posts · joined Mar 2006 · 13 Jan 2010, 9:34 pm

#757484

With all the sparkplugs out it should be able to be turned quite easily, especially at TDC it should be perfectly free to rock the pulley back and forth an inch or so.....if all is well. If it turned ok before installation maybe the trans is 6 volt and you have a 12 volt flywheel or lots of foreign material in the bell housing or something completely different is wrong lol .

Matt Berry Motorsports...air cooled advice, repairs and mods Ph 0408 704 662
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DylanTheDubber Custom Title Time!

1,252 posts · joined Jun 2009 · 14 Jan 2010, 6:57 am

#757528

Yeah you will find when sparps plugs are out you have no compresion so its easy to turn. But im thinking theres something not right with the flywheel causeing it to not turn. Hope this helps.

Dean1974 Slammed & Awesome Dubber

96 posts · joined May 2009 · 14 Jan 2010, 7:16 am

#757530

GaryFranks wrote:Hi folks. I'm re-assembling a 71 beetle that I bought in pieces. The engine did seem to turn freely when it was out. Now that it is back in the car however, it doesn't seem to crank over very well.

I have tried a new starter, and checked all the earth straps. The pinion bush looks OK, and there is a relay connected for the solenoid activation.

How hard should it be to turn the engine by hand using a spanner on the main pulley? It doesn't turn at all now, even with the spark plugs removed and using a really decent amount of force. I've poured a small amount of wd40 in each bore as well.

I've never seen the engine running so suspect it may be dead.

Thanks in advance!
Gary

Dean1974 Slammed & Awesome Dubber

96 posts · joined May 2009 · 14 Jan 2010, 7:22 am

#757531

Hi, I had very similar problem here when i replaced engine mounts bolts were little bit too long and i had to cut them so there is enough clearance between flywheel and bolts. Hope this might help let me know cheers Dean

greedy53 Bishop of Volkswagenism

3,062 posts · joined Mar 2006 · 14 Jan 2010, 7:32 am

#757536

i know this will sound stupid, but my timing was out a lot, this was on a motor that i had no idea if it was ok, as soon as it was static timed it turned over easy,

👍👍😂🙅🥷😬🤓

Joel Now containing 100\% E-Wang

9,368 posts · joined Feb 2006 · 14 Jan 2010, 8:26 am

#757550

could be lots of things on an unknown engine thats been sitting for a while, stuck valves, siezing rings, to thick shims etc

even if it did run i'd be pulling it down for a looksee at the very least

GaryFranks Learner Dubber

15 posts · joined Nov 2009 · 15 Jan 2010, 4:26 pm

#757757

Looks like the engine really is seized...
I pulled the engine out, removed plugs, generator belt etc and it is jammed tight.

Given the minimal amount of spare time I have I'll be looking for an engine rebuilder.
Any suggestions (North west of Melbourne)?

Thanks all.
G

ancientbugger Custom Title Time!

1,986 posts · joined Mar 2004 · 15 Jan 2010, 10:20 pm

#757819

Have you tried turning it by hand with the flywheel removed?