The engine is locked up on a 1968 Le Mans with a 400 cubic inch motor How can you get it to turn freely?

Answer 1

Let's see... If your motor was recently running and is now locked you could have a seized bearing in the lower end, a broken rod, a piston seized in the cylinder wall. Check the engine oil for metal shavings or burned oil or... no oil (I have seen it). You could pull the oil pan to inspect the bottom end. Or, You could pull the heads, that will also eliminate or identify a problem with your valve train or pushrods. Or, check your radiator fluid. If you see milky or Oliy fluid, pull all of your spark plugs and see if water comes out when turning the engine over. (by hand!!) If the motor has not run in a while, pull the heads, inspect the part of the cylinder walls you can see. does it look like you want the pistons moving at 5500 rpms on the surfaces you see? Probably not. You can free up the pistons by pouring marvel mystery oil and letting it set for a few days... If you get it to turn over, chances are the rings will be stuck to the pistons and it needs to be rebuilt anyways. Is it a 4 speed? Check to make sure your clutch is not froze to the pressure plate. Good luck.