Phungus

This is in regards to how you unseized your locked up motor. I've got it on jackstands and looking at the gear ring which way am I supposed to pry it - front to rear? or rotate the ring side to side? I'll probably remove the starter if you think that'll make it easier. Also do you think it's fine to shoot some WD40 in there? Thanks for your help!

ZachSpazz

Don't spray WD-40 in there unless you want to replace a clutch too. Just wedge on that side to side to get it to loosen up...hopefully that'll work.

jimmyv13

Did you put any ATF in the chambers?

Phungus

Yeah there should be plenty of ATF in there but obvoiusly I wasn't able to coat all the rotor faces since I can't turn the motor. So should I just keep moving/rotating that visible gear ring? Does it matter what direction? It already is able to rotate with minimal force. And what's the tell tale sign that I can stop?- my triceps are getting kinda sore.

If I'm able to free the motor but it turns out blown I may have to say farewell....

Suparslinc

I took a lead pipe and inserted a chisel into the end of it. It was a pretty snug fit, but my dad had to file down the end of the chisel in order for it to fit into the hole. You want to have the car in nuetral and use at least one jackstand because you are going to be prying pretty hard and might as well not risk it.
So you need to pry like from the left of the car to the right and back; like from driver to passenger side. The idea is to make the flywheel spin around like it should. Its' easiest to take the starter off and pry from there. I've never taken a 2nd gen starter off but I imagine it has one bolt and one thru bolt that runs through the tranny, plus a ground wire that hooks on that bolt and s couple of other wires. Just don't break any of them because theyre usually pretty deteriorated from oil spilling onto them and stuff.
When you start working it, it might only move a little. you should work it back and forth slowly. Using any kind of lubricant isn't going to help things here. Just be patience and try not to bust a knuckle.
Some other ways to unlock the motor:
Remove the fan and shroud, and put a large socket on the main pulley. try and pull it with an extension towards the drivers side; but don't strip it or break it off or anything but I doubt you can pull hard enough to break the bolt.
Tow the car with a truck up to about 10 or 15 mph, then let the clutch out in 2nd. If its not too bad you might be able get enough hook-up with the tires to bust it loose.
Hey hope this helps. I've actually had 2 locked motors that I treated this way; the first one (in my 84 GSL) had thrown a couple of seals, but when I got the '90 loose it ran fine afterwards so good luck.
Joe

Suparslinc

I just remembered something else; it was suggested by another member to remove all off your belts and see if the engine turns then. A locked up alternator could be keeping the pulleys from turning. A bad starter would make it hard to turn but I dont' think so hard that you couldn't push start it or something. I'm spending way too much time on this forum arent' I?

One more thought: If you have to pull the starter, make sure you disconnect the battery first. Getting a finger stuck in there could be pretty painful if it suddenly engages.

PaulC

taking the starter off is justa cople bolts and wires very simple. I would sugest squirting some ATF into it as best as possible and let it sit for a bit (it cant hurt). I did the ATF trick on mine a while back and it brought back some power so...... good luck

PS a rebuilt engine is cheaper than a new car.