How do I turn over a locked engine?

Question

I have a pickup truck with a 351W in it. It's been sitting for almost two years because of a bad carb. Before I decide to fix it and put a new carb on it I want to know if the engine is still good.

I can't turn it by hand anymore, presumably because rust build up. The rust shouldn't be a problem so long as I can get it to turn.

So how would I go about trying to turn it? It's not seized up because I havn't ran it without oil. It's a good engine, just a little rusty inside from sitting too long.

Answer 1

yuk. First take the plugs out and fill the cylenders with oil or diesel or something penatrating. let soak for at least 24 hours. then try either by hand or starter with the plugs still out. If you get her running again treat her to a good break in period, dont rev her too hard for a while and change the oil after about a week.

Answer 2

S-dog has it.

Remove plugs - but I would use regular engine oil squirted into each bore.

You could also put it into Drive with the ignition OFF and get a buddy to give you a little pull forward (if you have a manual box, even better) that should get it to rotate and free the rusted parts.

Answer 3

The best thing to do is to rebuild the engine, or course.  However I have heard that if you take the spark plugs out and pour a very small amount of tranmission fluid in each cylinder it will seep in around the pistons and free it up.  

Answer 4

take head covers off pour oil all over top put back together . add a can of c-foam. next day. also have an extra battery, because you will most likely need it. make sure you give everything enough time too work in .

Answer 5

um if you've got rust on the inside, that means that you've let moisture get inside the motor, therefor it could very well be locked up.