Re: [Amc-list] Link to pics of the '65 Rambler American 330

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

Unfortunately a nice tight rebuilt engine will usually seize before an old well worn one! Transmission fluid in the cylinders will work better than motor oil. Spread two quarts over all six cylinders and let that work 24-48 hours, then bump it. Russes wrench with a weight on the end sounds good, but I've never been so lucky. Usually takes a good jerk on the end of the wrench to break it free. I usually have my brother help with that.... ;> (what -- you think *I* would be good on the end of the wrench?....) Seriously, I uses a pull handle with a 24" cheater pipe, and a good steady pull, not really a jerk. If it doesn't give after 48 hours check the cylinders and maybe spread another quart of trans fluid amongst them and wait another 48 hours. After four days and no movement you can pretty much forget it. 

What makes it freeze is a little moisture gets in the cylinder(s) and forms a light rust on the rings -- between the rings and cylinder walls. This sticks it in place. I've freed one up that left light pits in the cylinder walls of a couple cylinders. Even a little pitting doesn't cause enough compression loss to hurt a thing -- it was totally unnoticeable. Older, more worn engines have more oil "soaked" in the cylinder walls and a little more play, so are less likely to stick than a newer engine. 

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Date: Thu, 27 Dec 2007 12:17:34 -0500
From: "Bruce Griffis" <bruce.griffis@xxxxxxxxx>

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm really looking forward to bringing it
home and getting started on it. The idea for the engine is a good one. I'm
hoping it isn't stuck (haven't messed with it yet) - but the owner had it
rebuilt about 6,000 miles ago. Unfortunately, it hasn't been started in 4
years. So - I'll put some oil in each cylinder and either gently bump it
after letting the oil work for a while (don't want to score anything) - or
put a strap wrench on the crankshaft pully and gently turn it (we did that
for a frozen Chevy 350 - and got that running).  Fingers crossed - hoping
nothing is rusted stuck. Think I'll just use the strap wrench before hitting
the starter just in case.

We're picking it up Saturday morning. I need to figure out how to get it
down the driveway without brakes. The driveway is short, but has a pretty
steep decent.

-- 
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Motors Cars" 
Magazine (AMC)
For all AMC enthusiasts
http://farna.home.att.net/AMC.html
(free download available!)

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