220Sb 1962 - Seized Engine? Ouch... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JeffreyNMemphis · #1 08-28-2009, 02:14 AM

Hello Peaches,

I just purchased a 1962 220Sb. The car has been sitting for years. I charged the battery and attempted to turn the engine over, but it didn't turn. I am sure the battery charged enough to start the car, I have lights, windshield wipers, clock and radio working.

This morning I removed the valve cover. Pleased to report that everything glistened with oil, nothing dry and no rust.

Any advice on raising the dead?

Jeffrey

wbain5280 · #2 08-28-2009, 03:06 AM

Take the plugs out and squirt some ATF in the cyls. Let it sit for a day or so and then try turning the engine over by hand. Use a 27 mm socket with a short txtension and a breaker bar to rotate the engine. Do not use the camshaft bolt.

t walgamuth · #3 08-28-2009, 05:55 AM

I have broken a couple of engines loose by soaking with atf and then bumping the starter fifteen or twenty times, then letting it soak some more.

Be sure to turn it over with the plugs out once the engine breaks free to purge the atf from the cylinders.!

JeffreyNMemphis · #4 08-28-2009, 08:33 AM

Thank you!

I put atf in the spark plug holes two days ago. Starter clicks but does not budge engine. I will try the 27mm hand turn. Is it clock or counterclock wise?

Mike D · #5 08-28-2009, 09:24 AM

Clockwise.

JeffreyNMemphis · #6 08-28-2009, 09:30 AM

Why does 27mm sound familiar? Is that also the size of lug bolts? My metric sockets only go up to 19mm, 21mm spark plug wrench.

Mike D · #7 08-28-2009, 12:02 PM

Should come out to either a 1 & 1/16" or a 1 & 1/8" in in American Standard sockets. I don't remember which.

sjefke · #8 08-28-2009, 01:46 PM

Your starter may be dead too. Clicking is solenoid activating, but starter motor may be seized.

If you don't have the large socket (preferred method), you can also put the car in 4th gear (assuming it is stick shift) and try to rock the car back and forth on its wheels. You may need a buddy, but basically you get the leverage of the wheel diameter to turn the engine. There is play in the drive train that can help "shock" the engine if you go back and forth.

If you are really daring, you get a towing rope and tow the car starting out in neutral. At sufficient speed (few mph) you put the transmission in gear and pop the clutch. That will definitely should get the block loose (or bald the rear tires). Check motor mounts first because if those are old and rotted, engine may jump off if you do this tow trick.

If clutch does not work, you can still do tow trick, but then you start out in gear and see whether towing car can break loose engine. Again, rear wheels may skid (at first) and make sure nothing can break off (including towing bracket).

Good luck,

Bert

wbain5280 · #9 08-28-2009, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeffreyNMemphis

Why does 27mm sound familiar? Is that also the size of lug bolts? My metric sockets only go up to 19mm, 21mm spark plug wrench.

Lug bolts are 17mm and the crank bolt is 27mm.

You can take the starter motor out and check the gear action. The bellcrank may be siezed too.

ja17 · #10 08-28-2009, 11:52 PM

Hello,

Try prying at the flywheel. You get much more torque at the flywheel rather than the crankshaft bolt. Use something to pry the flywheel ring gear.

GGR · #11 08-30-2009, 09:14 AM

The towing method is a bit radical. You may break the rings, depending on how bad the engine is seized. Rocking the car is ok, that's not too violent. As said above the best methods are with a socket on the kranckshaft bolt and a long pipe, or if you have access to it by prying at the flywheel. Once you break it loose put more ATF, and turn slowly. If you find more resistance at one point, let the ATF soak and then try again. You don't want to damage or break the rings.

JeffreyNMemphis · #12 08-31-2009, 01:34 AM

Friends,

I have signs of LIFE.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjNSmX4IsWw

I turned the crank with a 1 1/16 socket and pry bar, then pulled the plugs, cranked with starter. It all sounded good, so I put the plugs back in. After squirting some spray "starting fluid" in the carb, it wanted to start. Now I have to get the fuel delivery going.

GGR · #13 08-31-2009, 07:06 AM

That sounds good! But you definitely have a problem with your starter engine.

JeffreyNMemphis · #14 08-31-2009, 07:47 AM

The video also has the sound of a very squeaky driver's door. It sounds like the crypt is being opened and closed. That is not the starter making that sound.