Possible Fiat 128 SL frozen engine...

[mikesides]

I realize that this is a 131 Forum but I am hoping that somebody would be able to help me with this issue.  I recently saved a Fiat SL out of a field.? It had been sitting there for about 12 years or so.? At some point the motor was replaced with a 79 Strada 1500 motor.? The body of the car has survived quite well over the years.? As soon as I got it home I pulled the gas tank, cleaned it out, etc., etc.? I also drained the oil and radiator fluid and replaced with new fluid.? I also swapped out the spark plugs.? Once everything was done I went to start it and all it does is click.? I have checked the starter and battery and they are good.? I was told that it is possible that the motor could have frozen up.? Does anyone have any ideas what I should try next?

[Tas131]

See if the motor turns! Put it in 3rd gear and push it forward to see if the motor is seized, if it's not you've got an electrical issue, if it is you've got a boat anchor.

[mikesides]

Well, it appears I have a boat anchor on my hands.? ? ?I couldn't even get it to move an inch.? Any other ideas without ripping the engine apart?

[mirafioriman]

spark plugs out and pour a mixture of oil and diesel down each plug hole. Wait a few days and then repeat the process. Do this a few times and then try to turn the engine over by hand with a socket on the front pulley nut.

This might free it if you are lucky. If not I'm afraid it is a strip down job.

[mikesides]

What kind of mixture do you mean?  Like a half oil, half diesel mix?  How much in total down each hole?  I appreciate the suggestion.  I have never had to do this before.  Also, is it ok to put diesel into a gas engine?

[mirafioriman]

I would say a 50/50 mix will be fine. Not sure exactly how much to put in I would just pour a little into each bore.

If it frees up turn it over on the starter first with the plugs still out and the ignition disconnected.

You will need to drain and replace the engine oil afterwards as the mixture will drain down past the rings into the sump.

For future reference it is always a good idea to remove the plugs, pour a little oil into each cylinder and attempt to turn an engine over by hand a few days later on engines that have been sat for some time.

[mikesides]

Thank you very much for your help.  I will give this a try and report back in about a week to let you know of the results.  That way I can try and pour in the mixture every two days and get 3 treatments in.  Just out of curiosity why diesel?

[mirafioriman]

Apparently it makes a good release agent

[sport fan]

 diesel is very good as a releasing agent , allways use it on siezed
u bolts on heavy trucks. good luck

[theredx19]

Yeah Sean diesel is the best you can get to free up heavy bolts like that but throw in a load of engine oil when you spin the engine over to lube the rings up so you dont brake them...