Series 3 Engine turns.....engine seizes.

BlueAnne · Aug 12, 2020

Hi All, Just to get it out there........I am an absolute 'newbie' to the Land Rover owners fraternity, please do not judge!!
I have just started tinkering with my 1975, Series 3, 2.25 petrol and having snags already!!!! It had been in a barn for 20 years, no log book, no key so went back to basics.
Changed ignition barrel assembly/steering lock, changed ignition coil, starter solenoid and got to a stage where the starter motor turned the engine no probs.....progress!
Then moved onto ignition. Changed the leads, plugs, rotor arm etc and went to align the cam with the contacts (using starting handle) and hey presto engine would not turn! Seems to be locked solid......any suggestions?

DanClarke · Aug 12, 2020

Is it in gear?

If you take all the plugs out is it still unmovable?

BlueAnne · Aug 12, 2020

It is not in gear, has oil and I removed all plugs........still solid?

Marmaduke · Aug 12, 2020

Are you still trying to turn it by hand or with the starter?

Wimblowdriver · Aug 12, 2020

With it standing for so long the pistons could be seized to the bores. Do not try and force it to turn over or the rings could break and end up scoring the bores. If it is seized it is probably going to need a rebore and new pistons (assuming they can be rebored). Assuming this is the problem you could try taking the spark plugs out and putting some light oil (or other lubricant / home brewed release oil which others might suggest), and over a period of time try and free it up. Or take the head off and have a look inside.

BlueAnne · Aug 12, 2020

Marmaduke said:
Are you still trying to turn it by hand or with the starter?

Only using starting handle at the mo.

BlueAnne · Aug 12, 2020

Removed plugs last night and syringed oil into pots....have soaked overnight so far. Would you suggest leaving for a longer soak time?

Wimblowdriver · Aug 12, 2020

If it is seized (and that is only a suggestion / possibility) leaving the oil in will help. Could take days / weeks, depends on how much patience you have got. Can you get a socket onto the end of the crankshaft and try turning it, and maybe turning it backwards a bit? Have you tried putting it in gear and rocking it backwards and forwards (gently in case it is seized).

BlueAnne · Aug 12, 2020

Will have a play tonight.......thanks for that!

freelance · Aug 12, 2020

Tip some diesel in each plug hole, it is very good at seeping

Shippers · Aug 12, 2020

50/50 mix of ATF and Acetone is the best release agent...

Blackburn · Aug 12, 2020

If it is on the level put it in 1st gear take handbrake off and try rocking the landrover backwards ie using the inertia to try and turn the engine backwards.
Put a chalk mark on the crank pulley so you can see if it moves.
Seems strange that it was turning and has suddenly stopped maybe starter motor is jammed.

divie · Aug 12, 2020

Plus 1 for jammed starter motor. after all the standing rust on the bendix ?

dag019 · Aug 13, 2020

I am also going to suggest starter motor, if it was turning over freely before on the starter after you ignition work I would suggest it is not going to be the pistons if it has not yet started. Some oil down the bores will not do any harm, but I would start by removing the starter rather than removing the head.

Extreedoc · Aug 13, 2020

Another vote for jammed starter motor here, it was turning over before so can't be a seized engine. Try turning the engine backwards, it might twist the starter bendix out of engagement if it's not too rusty. If not, it's starter motor out...

Henry_b · Aug 13, 2020

Slosh some Redex in there, a good content of meths IIRC it'll dissolve any carbon around the rings that might be causing it to lock

Have you got a bore scope?

Europa486 · Aug 13, 2020

If it’s the old inertia starter and not a pre engaged type you will have a square on the front of the starter that is the shaft going right through to the bendix,
Put a spanner on it and rotate it and it will release the bendix, If memory serves it should be a 7/16 open end,

BlueAnne · Aug 16, 2020

Hi all, update!! Starter motor removed, still solid! Starter motor dog gear moves freely. could it be the starting handle mechanism where it drives the main shaft? Feels like a really solid mechanical lock?
I do not have a boroscope so may have to wait patiently for the oil/fuel to hopefully work it’s magic on the pistons!!

Europa486 · Aug 16, 2020

With the starter out you will be able to see the ringear , If you insert a long screwdriver onto the teeth and try and lever the engine backwards, Engine turns clockwise looking from the front so you want to turn it anti clockwise,
If you can then you may have a hydraulic lock or mechanical lock that would do the same if you use the starter handle again,
The starter handle goes straight on the Dog and turns the crankshaft directly so it’s not going to effect you turning it over in any way,

BlueAnne · Aug 17, 2020

Just tried to turn the ring gear and solid........will not turn!!

Series 3 Engine turns.....engine seizes.

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Think outside, no box required.

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