New to Model A
 

Hello. I was advised to get on this forum and introduce myself.
I am retired and just bought an old Model A Ford or Sedan.
Problem.....engine is frozen. I have been soaking pistons with mystery oil and ATF. No luck.
The car is otherwise nice.
Ideas?

Re: New to Model A
 

A friend of mine was given a flathead that was seized. he soaked the cylinders with penetrating oil for over a week with no luck. He then put vinegar in the cylinders and the motor turned over by hand (with resistance) the next day.

Re: New to Model A
 

How long have you been soaking the cylinders? Are you trying the crank or starter to spin it over? ATF is a good solution but i never mixed it with Marvel mystery oil. Trying mixing the ATF with acetone and get a socket and a breaker bar on the crank pulley nut. That helps to get better movement.
I’ve freed stuck motors that way. Just have patients.

Re: New to Model A
 

it sounds like it is now a waiting game. Let the chemicals do there job. It will free up! Hugh

Re: New to Model A
 

Welcome to the Barn! How about some Pics?


Mike

Re: New to Model A
 

Thank you for all the interest to help!
I will continue to pour ATF into the one cylinder that it takes over night to drain out of. The other three seem to drain down in 15 mins or so.
I will try conifer next week...lol
Thanks guys

I pulled the car today...third gear...left skid marks both rear wheels.

Re: New to Model A
 

Give it some time. Rome wasn’t built in a day.

Also check other things that could be holding things. Is your Starter stuck, also take off valve cover and check if valves and lifters are free to move. Another place to use MMO.

Keep us informed. Enjoy.

Re: New to Model A
 

Yes, been soaking a week. Been jumping on hand crank, and pull/dragged her today. No luck.

Re: New to Model A
 

I would be worried about bending rods and breaking gears if I pulled it to get it turn over. Take it apart and fix it right.

Charlie Stephens

Re: New to Model A
 

Thanks friend. Going to try your path next. I do have time....I think. Lol

Re: New to Model A
 

Is the clutch froze up on the flywheel?

Pluck

Re: New to Model A
 

Charlie’s right. Don’t take a chance on breaking other things that aren’t now broken.

As I mention, get some (a lot) penetrating oil on your valves and lifters, cam and bearings. Valve cover should come off now.

Is there rust on cylinder walls?

Does car roll freely when in neutral.

How long has it been since the engine was last started?

Picture of engine would help.

Re: New to Model A
 

I had a spinal cord trama five years ago. Big jobs are out of my capabilities these days

But thank you for my friend

Re: New to Model A
 

The car does roll freely. I:ll try to get pics soon. Car is 45 miles away, so don't get there everyday.
I was told engine ran 3 years ago.
There is black crud on pistons, but couldn't tell if rust.
When I pulled plugs, looked like she had run last couple days.
Having trouble finding how to post car pics

Re: New to Model A
 

Did my pictures go thru.
I am lost at this

Re: New to Model A
 

Yep you have a nice late 30 Briggs Fordoor.


Mike

Re: New to Model A
 

Like your sedan Mike

Re: New to Model A
 

Got the pictures.

Take some of engine, might help in understanding condition of engine. Left and right side, plus top.

Car looks like your going to have fun. We just have to get it running.

Re: New to Model A
 

Clutch and trans feel good

Re: New to Model A
 

Going to sign off for now. Back later...or tomorrow.
Thanks guys

Re: New to Model A
 

From what you say, I think only one cylinder is holding it. Have you tried rocking the car back and forth while in top gear? Also, make sure the clutch plate is not stuck to the flywheel. You can check that by peering through the inspection cover on the flywheel housing.
Once you have it free, and running, listen to it carefully. Very often, when an engine has been stuck for a while, the rings leave a groove in the bore and will catch on it every time they go past it. You may be able to feel it withthe crank handle or hear it with the motor running. If that has happened, a rebore and new pistons is in order.
Persistence is omnipotent!

Re: New to Model A
 

If it was running 3 years ago it shouldn't be THAT stuck unless it was left out in the weather with the spark plugs out or something and the car looks very nice so that won't be it. I would check that the starter isn't stuck like WHN suggested. I've had the starter stick on mine and you can't budge the crank for love or money. Here is a great video by fellow barner Jack that describes the issue and how to fix it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PD4AYmMu1HU

Re: New to Model A
 

Good point!

Re: New to Model A
 

Glad you made it on to fordbarn!
Wick

Re: New to Model A
 

I have a tool made out of an old starter plate and an old bendix. It is like one the suppliers sell. I will lend it to you for the cost of shipping. It bolts in the starter opening and has freed up a lot of engines for me. you just turn the exposed bolt with a wrench and the engine should turn over quite easily. Just send me an email at [email protected] and I will send it to you.

Re: New to Model A
 

I'll have to see that video. Sounds great help.

Re: New to Model A
 

Anyone on here from Venango County ?
Franklin, PA ?

Re: New to Model A
 

I'll get email off to you right away! Thanks Rod.

Re: New to Model A
 

Hey there Wick! Yes, I made it.glad I did.

Re: New to Model A
 

Any idea how to find viewing hole ?

Re: New to Model A
 

I'll look for viewing ... Hole? Where is it located? Not sure I would know what I was looking at it did find it.
Sorry, haven't been much of a gear head in my years.

Re: New to Model A
 

Sorry, I forgot to include the link for the video :o I added it but here it is again. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PD4AYmMu1HU sorry.

Re: New to Model A
 

I watched video. Thank you Sir. Food for thought for sure.

Re: New to Model A
 

Chief guy

You have mail, I sent you a private message. Should be located on this page upper right side under private messages. I also have a 1930 Briggs fourdoor

Re: New to Model A
 

Here are pictures of engine. I am removing the starter. When it comes out, what do I expect with starter rod? Does it just come out of starter?

Re: New to Model A
 

No pictures?

Re: New to Model A
 

unscrew the starter rod just above the starter switch. the switch can come out with the starter.

Re: New to Model A
 

For the life of me I can't figure how to upload and send pictures here!

Re: New to Model A
 

For the life of me I can't figure how to upload pictures. I did it once! Lol

Re: New to Model A
 

Ok, I had to stop working on it today. I get worn out to easy.