Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => Drive train, fuel, suspension, steering & brakes => Topic started by: bd on October 26, 2009, 22:56:42

Title: Motor does not turn over
Post by: bd on October 26, 2009, 22:56:42

I have a 1964 230sl thats been in storage 15 years. I cleaned the gas tank, replaced all fuel and brake related parts. I oiled the cylinders and let it set while doing all the other work. I tried to hand turn the motor over and it is stuck . Any ideas what to try .

Title: Re: Motor does not turn over
Post by: al_lieffring on October 27, 2009, 01:16:05

If the car has a stick shift I would try towing it about 25 mph with another car/truck and let out the clutch with the trans in 4th gear. it will either turn the motor over or grind flat spots on your rear tires.

Title: Re: Motor does not turn over
Post by: SteveK on October 27, 2009, 02:06:53

One process which I've seen work is pouring diesel in each cylinder and letting it sit for a week or so.  Keep checking to see if it drains down.  Work the crank with as long a cheater as you can fit under the car until it starts to turn.  You might also try rocking the car after the diesel has done it's magic.  Once it breaks free, just keep working it a little at a time until it turns like it should.   I've seen some pretty rusted blocks come back to life so keep working at it and you might get lucky!

Title: Re: Motor does not turn over
Post by: ctaylor738 on October 27, 2009, 12:10:45

I agree with the let-it-soak-for-a-week theory, but would use PB Blaster or Kroil instead of diesel fuel.

Title: Re: Motor does not turn over
Post by: ja17 on October 27, 2009, 16:35:52

Sometimes the clutch assembly gets rusted to the flywheel, locking up the engine and the rest of the drivetrain. Make sure to have one wheel off the ground if thiks may be the case.

Title: Re: Motor does not turn over
Post by: bd on October 28, 2009, 03:54:20

Thanks for the info hope it works

Title: Re: Motor does not turn over
Post by: Shvegel on October 29, 2009, 01:59:08

Went through the same thing except 23 years. Ended up smashing the pistons out of the block. There is something in the metallurgy that causes the pistons to grow into the cylinder walls. After I got them out I honed the cylinders and installed a set of stock bore pistons. Really strange considering my car was in heated storage the whole time.