How to check for seized engine?

[anarklov3r]

If a ecotec has been sitting there for over a year with no bonnet on, chances are it might be seized. How would i check an engine if it is? Apparently you can attach a wrench to something and manually turn it




Is it the one just above the harmonic balancer? Also what direction should it be turned, or doesnt it matter?

[mws]

breaker bar and socket on the front crank bolt. turn it clockwise, if it dont move at all you got problems

[anarklov3r]

*whoosh*. English? hahah
Ok a bit exaggerated.. I know what a breaker bar and socket are..... front crank bolt is the one above the harmonic balancer? thats how im lost. Maybe i should get a mechanic out to check it?

[muttley383]

may be a good idea to take the spark plugs out and spray some WD40 / RP7 or similar down the bores and let it sit a while before attempting turning it over.

[tivoom]

Put the socket on the harmonic balancer bolt and turn clock ways the bolt should be 24mm

[anarklov3r]

Would putting the car in neutral and getting it on a tow truck effect the engine at all? i dont want the towwie potentially damaging the engine before i get a chance to lube it up (hheheh sounds dirty.....)

Only reason i might bother with this car (and this is also a learning experience for me, so thanks guys!) is that the engines only done 140,000 kms.

I guess the procedure would be (if i decide to get this car) take spark plugs off, spray a fair bit (not heaps) of WD40/RP7 down the bores, put spark plugs back on, let the guy tow it to panel beater. let them fix the body damage on it. Get it towed back to my joint, and spray some more wd-40, and give it a shot soon after (all this assuming the engine hasnt siezed.)

If the engine has siezed, im assuming its best to just buy a replacement engine?

[Ozzie]

Chances are that its not ceased.

And no... putting it in neutral will not turn or harm the engine.

[Calaber]

I can't help thinking that if you don't even know how where to fit a socket to turn the motor over by hand, you should be getting someone else to check this thing for you.

The photo shows a motor sitting on a pallette, but you talk as though it's stll installed in a damaged car with no bonnet. What gives?

[Pete SS]

I was just thinking the same!

If it's a learning experience - you've got a fair bit of experience to gain!

[anarklov3r]

That's just an image of a random image i found on the net. I probably should have mentioned that since i didn't take a decent photo of the motor.

And your right, i do have a lot to learn. I'm more familiar with the electrical side of things, not so much mechanical.

I just get a mechanic to get the engine going i might just "observe".