I have a 1948 Packard all original. STUCK PISTONS?

Question

I need some help getting them unstuck, I want to keep the car ALL ORIGINAL. I know that it is going to be a big job, but my dad left this car to my 18 yr. old daughter and I want to restore it for her.

Answer 1

Take the spark plugs out and put 10 drops of oil of wintergreen into each cylinder. Spray 3-4 bursts of WD-40 into each cylinder to chase the oil of wintergreen. Allow to sit overnight and then try to rotate the crankshaft (I am assuming that you have pulled the pan and checked the lower end). I used this method on a flat head V-8 and it works quite well.

Answer 2

yup. pull the plugs, and squirt some marvel mystery oil in there. you could try some diesel first. get a 1/2 " breaker bar with the right size socket on the bottom pulley. once you got it moving a little squirt some more oil in there. let it sit each day and work it a little at a time. don't try to turn it over by the key until it turns quite freely. once you do, spin her over with the plugs still out. now the bad news...how long has this car been sitting ? starter is probably corroded, remove and service it. rings are going to be stuck to pistons, any and all seals, brake hoses, wheel cyls.etc. are going to likely need replacement. DON'T FORGET TO CHANGE THAT OIL BEFORE ACTUALLY ATTEMPTING TO START. not only going to be a big job but will cost a fortune. hope the rest of the car is solid.

Answer 3

Stuck as in the engine won't turn over? If this is the case remove the spark plugs and add some Marvel Mystery Oil or WD-40 in the cylinders and let it sit awhile. Leave the spark plugs out and then try turning the engine over with the starter if its working. You can also try turning it over with the crank bolt on harmonic balancer. But don't put a lot of force on it, you risk the chance of breaking it and that's not good. You will probably have to pull the engine out and use a flywheel wrench on the fly wheel, flex plate if its an automatic. If all this fails you will have to disassemble the engine and try to break them free some how. If they are stuck more than likely the engine will need a complete rebuild anyway

Answer 4

Diesel fuel will do a better job, then regular oil at loosening stuck pistons, if that is all that is wrong with it, as the crankshaft might just be stuck too. Put in enough to cover the pistons' top (1/2 cup as, in most V shape engines the piston tops sit on an angle in the cylinder) BUT remember that you will need to change your oil (And filter) after that, and before you try starting it.

Try seeing if you can turn the front lower pulley even just slightly, back and/or forth, as that will tell you, a little, about the cranks' status.

Remember to wait a little bit of time (Hours-day) to let the diesel fuel work.

Answer 5

Remove the spark plugs, pour about 3 tbsp of "Marvels Mystery Oil" into each of the cylinders. after a few days, do this again. Eventually, the pistons will move without much damage to the block.

Answer 6

Oil in the cylinders may help. It's worth a try. Depending on what level of restoration you are trying to do, you may want to pull the engine and tear it down. You may get away with honing the cylinders and be all right. If that doesn't do it, consider a .010" overbore and replace the cylinders. I wish you luck with the restoration.

Answer 7

take all the spark plugs out and fill the wholes with oil and let it sit a couple days sometimes this works depends on how long they have been stuck after a few days try turning the motor

Answer 8

Remove the plugs and pour in some diesel oil this should in time free your pistons .You will obviously need to drain the oil and change the oil filter.