I've got a problem!

[Terry, NJ]

So I'm working on a 1930 Coupe engine. It's pretty much stock except for a .040 oversize, and police head. I don't know the mileage on the engine, but it's well over 10K, probably about 25 K. Famous words, "It was running when I parked it!" I had another engine I had fixed up with new mains ($700) but it was noisy so I put the old mill back in her. OK I tried to start it a few day ago anti wouldn't start (no spark) but I never saw an engine hop around (Chassis and all) like this. Today, I Was going to remove the distributor and I was going to put the pin in position and I tried moving the crank and it seems to be locked. No Go! I can sort of guess what happened, but How? Yeah I know it was out side, but it was always covered with at least two tarps, plug holes were plugged and oiled so I doubt it was the cylinders. No I believe it was the center main disintergrating and the pieces packing up and jamming the crankshaft. Either way, I'll probably have to pull the engine which I am not liking. 79 YO this july and I want to get this one done! If anyone has any other scenarios, please post. Thanks!
Terry

[Flathead]

Drop the pan for a look-see?

[gdmn852]

Hello,a long time ago, a friend bought a Model A that was turned into a tractor for the engine. Could only get it to run on 2 cylinders, took off head and found 2 compressed mouse nests , apparently crawled in from open valves .

[nkaminar]

Take the head off and drop the pan to see if there is something that can be done while the engine is in the car. But I am afraid you will have to pull it. Maybe you can make one good engine out of the two. Could be a mouse nest as described in post #3.

[midgetracer]

Wild idea, but could the starter just be locked on the ring gear. I have had that happen several times.

[Planojc]

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Put it in gear and rock it, see if the fan will turn.

[deuce5wndw]

Did you try turning it without the plugs? Maybe water got in the cylinders through head gasket or?

[WHN]

Start by pulling the head. Then I would work forward from there, pan, ect.

Good luck.

[Terry, NJ]

Well guys, I thought I'd update this and maybe have a teachable moment too. I Knew that engine was loose! I did! However, I had to disconnect it from the driveline to find out how it really was. I pulled the engine and t was fine, something is locked up in the , I believe, the trans. Frankly, it's acting kind of weird, it acts like it's in two gears at once! Anything is possible I guess! The I cracked the fly wheel housing. No actually it broke! I very gently tapped it a piece with old rusty, crack lines dropped off the bottom. More about that in my thread about REPUBLIC B140.
Terry

[Richard Knight]

Well Terry, isn't there anybody near that can help you. I am 75 and changed three motors in the last year. It is a lot harder than it used to be and I have the right tools. The trans probably is in two gears which is easy to fix.

[Gene F]

But don't start the car with the top off of the transmission! It slings grease every where, even with the clutch in.

[Bob Bidonde]

I feel your pain being a pleasantly plump 80 year old. Here on Long Island we have work parties we call "Play Dates" to help each other get the big jobs done. Call up 2 or 3 knowledgeable club members, provide coffee, donuts and a pizza lunch, and get the work done while having friends to talk to. You give some payback by joining a work party for someone else.

[Fullraceflathead]

You can buy a small borescope that will fit into an iPhone for under $10 you can inspect inside the cylinders and also inside the crankcase without doing major tear downs.