Montego 2.0HLS - Early O Series engine SEIZED

[Ed]

I've just been out to reapply penetrating fluid and lightly tap each piston round the edges with a wooden block. What is interesting is that all four Pistons move slightly in the bores when I tap them, so they can't be that stuck?! I've also just done the clutch test and with the clutch pedal down, and in gear, the car freely rolls forward. I assume that means the clutch is working correctly? I recall somebody suggesting spinning the flywheel manually. How is this done as it seems very hard to move. I plan to drop the sump when I have more time but would like to try anything else I can in the meantime.

[edders1690]

I've just been out to reapply penetrating fluid and lightly tap each piston round the edges with a wooden block. What is interesting is that all four Pistons move slightly in the bores when I tap them, so they can't be that stuck?! I've also just done the clutch test and with the clutch pedal down, and in gear, the car freely rolls forward. I assume that means the clutch is working correctly? I recall somebody suggesting spinning the flywheel manually. How is this done as it seems very hard to move. I plan to drop the sump when I have more time but would like to try anything else I can in the meantime.

Ed, try removing the starter motor and turning the flywheel with a large screwdriver or pry bar. This is how I freed off the engine in my Maestro.

Ray

[Ed]

Ed, try removing the starter motor and turning the flywheel with a large screwdriver or pry bar. This is how I freed off the engine in my Maestro.

Ray

Hi Ray, I have the starter off and I've tried to move to flywheel with a large screwdriver but it seems impossible to move. How easily should the flywheel move? How much pressure do I need to apply? I'm starting to wonder whether the flywheel could be stuck. Would this cause the engine not to turn over?

[mgdavid]

if the clutch is OK and the starter motor is out then there's nothing for the flywheel to 'stick' to. Do the alternator pulley and power steering pulley turn OK?
Use a socket and breaker bar on the crank pulley bolt, and a mate on a crowbar on the flywheel teeth at the same time - just ensure you are both pulling in the same direction!

[E_T_V]

Also worth removing the aux belt if it isn't already as I've had a seized alternator appear to seize the engine solid.

[Ed]

All the belts are off already and the starter motor is out. The flywheel is stuck solid. It won't move even a millimetre. The crank nut is the same, jammed solid. All I end up doing is undoing it.

When I turn the crank bolt on the red HLS (same early engine) it turns ridiculously freely so I am convinced something is broken or seized inside the brown HLS.

I haven't had time over the last couple of weeks but my next plan is to drop the sump and have a look. Again, this is all new for me so I'll need all of your valuable help and advice once it is off so I know what I am looking at.

I have an offer from the local company to rebuild the engine at a good rate so that will be what I do eventually, but I'd like to understand first what has happened to the engine, get it out, and dismantled as much as I can to save some money.

[charliecosworth]

get oil pump checked whilst in bits, how unhappy would you be rebuild the engine only to find oil pump shot and being back at square one?

[Ed]

I suspect oil pump is gone anyway. Can they be overhauled or do they need to be replaced?

[Jeff Turbo]

I suspect oil pump is gone anyway. Can they be overhauled or do they need to be replaced?

Go for new Ed

[Sussex Pete]

This might be of help, if all else fails - http://www.gumtree.com/p/car-replace...ego/1127119008