Any tips for loosening pistons?

Discussion in 'Wrenchin' Secrets' started by 77cabriolet, Jan 14, 2008.

  1. rmstg2

    rmstg2 Gold Level Contributor

    I once poured Coca Cola in the spark plug holes of a 59 Chevy with a 348.
    I waited a couple hours then put the tranny in high gear (stick shift )
    and rocked the car forward and back with my pickup until it broke loose.
    Then I replaced the oil pulled the valve covers and tapped on each valve with a hammer. All but one were free. After a couple more taps it broke loose.
    Pull started it. It smoked for about 3 days but finally straightened out.
    Not sure how long it had been sitting. It always smoked on start up though and needed a rebuild. Good Luck
    Bob H
     
  2. LUV455

    LUV455 455 LUV Truck

    3/4 Diesel 1/4 ATF Will work the best and rocking the motor back and forth.
    I did this to a stuck motor in 1980 and it took 3 days but it freed up and i installed it for the customer ( under protest) and damn if it didn,t smoke and they drove it for 4 years before the son blew it up.
     
  3. nrhtrans

    nrhtrans New Member

    Free up the pistons by removing them and replacing them with new unstuck pistons after you bore the block. Not being a jerk, just been there. If you do get the engine to run any other way at best you will have an oil burnning nightmare . The last thing you want running around your engine is iron oxide dust . Thats what they make sand paper with.
     
  4. odskaggs2

    odskaggs2 Well-Known Member

    Been there done that. I use kerosene myself. Oh and another tip. I usually jack the car up and then put on my breaker bar. Then I let the car down a little so the bar is under pressure. That way when it's ready to move it will do it. I usually come out a day or two later and find it has moved to some degree. Best of luck.
     

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