348 stuck..

[neilswheels]

It’s been a while since I’ve been on here, but I’m still plugging away at my 40. Today I pulled the 348 because I couldn’t turn it over. I was hoping that it was an issue with interference between the flywheel/ bell housing, or an issue with the T5 input shaft, maybe tight against the crank, but now it’s out, and it still doesn’t move, well, maybe 1/2 inch on the flywheel, but that’s it.
I’m green to v8’s, but To try and see what’s happened, I’ve been advised to take the timing chain off, and see if the crank and cam turn independently, hoping that this will isolate the issue, ie, if the crank turns, the cam / valve train may be the problem, likewise, if the cams ok but not the crank...
So, ‘googling’ this, I’ve read there’s a ‘special’ harmonic balancer puller, is this correct, or can I use a regular 2 or 3 arm puller?
Just for the record, this is in theory a fully rebuilt motor that I bought, but it has been standing for over 10 years, covered in my garage and then in the car. Thanks

 

[38Chevy]

Sounds like moisture may have gotten into a cylinder or two and caused piston to stick. I’d pour some penetrating oil in the cylinders through the spark plug holes and let it sit a while then try turning the crank.

 

[Don Jacks]

Something like PB Blaster in each spark plug hole and let it sit for a couple of hours,turn engine,repeat as necessary.If that doesn't work after a few tries,pull the heads.

 

[neilswheels]

I’ve tried ‘diesel’ down the bores at the suggestion of a few people, but it made no difference

 

[64ss409]

It's not a good idea to take the timing chain off and turn the crank. The pistons will be hitting the open valves. Best to pull the heads as Don suggested.

 

[neilswheels]

I did wonder about that, thanks

 

[neilswheels]

I’m i right to say it doesn’t matter what order you undo the head bolts? Is it worth alternating across the head?

 

[Don Jacks]

I take them out in the reverse order of the tightening sequence myself.It just makes more sense to eliminate he chance of warping.

 

[61BUBBLE348]

Hi Neil,
You will have to bight the bullet and tear the engine down, If it is stuck you will need to do a heavy hone at the least, but more than likely will need a bore and full rebuild.
Chev V8's are not that difficult, you just need to watch out for the little things unique to the W, there are a lot of threads relating to this, and when in doubt ask, the knowledge on here is second to none.

 

[MRHP]

How long has it been stuck? I would try Pb blaster or even better yet kroil.

 

[Jim Sullivan]

You could try a bore scope to check the cylinder walls, if you have access to one. See if there is any rust, and if so, how heavy is it.

 

[1958 delivery]

I'm sorry but that engine needs to be torn down.

 

[MRHP]

I have unstuck motors many times and ran them for years with no trouble. Just depends on how bad it is stuck. Penetrating oil, and use a pry arm on the flywheel teeth. That gives a good bite and also good leverage. It really does not take much to keep an engine from turning. Good luck!

 

[DonSSDD]

Soak with 50/50 automatic transmission fluid and acetone for a day, then try turning it over on the flywheel.

 

[Hoyt99]

I have been a fan of Marvel Mystery Oil sorting out problems like that.

 

[427John]

If you can move it some try going back and forth and see how far it goes in each direction,if it keeps moving farther without using excessive force keep going back and forth until it starts making full turns,keep reapplying penetrant liberally.If it keeps stopping in the same spot after repeated tries at some point you have to admit defeat and tear down,but don't get carried away on the how much force you use.I agree with MRHP I've unstuck engines that ran fine afterward also just depends how badly rusted the cylinders are it doesn't take much to stick them.

 

[Tom Kochtanek]

James recently diagnosed a "stuck engine" that moved just a bit in each direction, turned out to be the crank hitting the oil pan just a tad. One bump with the oil pan removed and it rotated properly. You never know...

 

[La Hot Rods]

Does this engine have a rope rear main seal?

 

[1964SuperStocker]

You could try a bore scope to check the cylinder walls, if you have access to one. See if there is any rust, and if so, how heavy is it.

I always use my $7 ebay scope on my smart phone. Works like magic to stuff in any 1/4 hole. Everyone needs one. Diagnosed a blown Subaru motor in 30 seconds last year and saved the owner Thousands. Purchased several good strong running used motors in the last couple years based upon what I could see with this cheap camera. GET ONE BOYS! If you don't know how to use one, give it to your kids or grand kids and use them! Remember 1/4 hole means you can look up the oil plug, down the bore through the plugs, down the distributor hole, intake and exhaust ports.... See your cams, lifters, pistons, cylinders, crank, rods, caps, main caps.....

 

[Gofish]

i imagine you can use any puller that will fit. You can get a loaner tool from a friendly shop (almost have to be a blood relative) or some auto parts stores (like the O’Reilly’s near me), and you can get a loaner install tool while you’re at it. Good luck.