Flat 221ci - 1935 - Getting stuck after 3 weeks sitting.

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Forgotten Ford

Junior Member
Flat 221ci - 1935 - Getting stuck after 3 weeks sitting.

Making a long journey short...

This engine was full rebuild in middle of the 70's, and the car running 5 or 6 times, and was leaved stopped until 5 years ago! (Yes, it is a barn find).

I got the car, and the engine was stuck. I have decided open the engine, clean every part, check the conditions, change the damage parts, and really, after open and spray a WD-40, and clean every cylinder and valves, the engine turns free and the conditions was very good. I have rebuild the heads and the intake, changed all gaskets, rebuild the carburetor, rebild the fuel pump, starter, dynamo and changed the coil, condencer and ground conections to new ones, and at the ende fired the engine. Every thing runs OK.

I had used a detergent oil for a run the engine to a couple of weeks... almost 72h or more hours, i did the same witht he cooling liquid, and after that i have changed to the specificated oil and coolant. Oil pressure is ok, and the temperature also.

The engine starts very well, and keep the ajustment and runs very good, but... always have a but..

When I leave the car stoped for more thar 3 or 4 weeks.... the engine getting stuck!!! :(
Than, I need to put smal amount of oil inside of the cylinders, turn the engine manually by the crackshaft for a couple days to be able to start the engine again... and every thing works good until i leave the engine stoped for a time longer than 3 or 4 weeks.

Maybe you guys have some helpfull tips to give me, and help to solve this problem!

Tks
RR
 
>>>Than, I need to put smal amount of oil inside of the cylinders, turn the engine manually by the crackshaft for a couple days to be able to start the engine again...>>>


That doesn't sound stuck. Maybe the battery is weak after setting that long? Jack E/NJ
 
Tks Jack! Really sounds strange! :(

The battery is OK, and is strong enoufh to turn the starter that was turning without turn the flywheel! In one of the first time that it happens I have broke the return spring bolt of the starter... and the flywheel dosen't move.

When I put the prybar in the crankshaft, I try to turn, it was very stuck.... and after several turns, it start to come spin easely.
 
How about the next time, to just remove all spark plugs and turn it over.
Hopefully will turn over. If not then on to plan B.
Phil NZ
 
Forgotten Ford said:
Tks Jack! Really sounds strange! :(

The battery is OK, and is strong enoufh to turn the starter that was turning without turn the flywheel! In one of the first time that it happens I have broke the return spring bolt of the starter... and the flywheel dosen't move.

When I put the prybar in the crankshaft, I try to turn, it was very stuck.... and after several turns, it start to come spin easely.
Click to expand...

You may have a sticking valve or more.I would try some Marvel Mistry oil in your tank and pour a Little down the carb before shutting it off. Nothing to loose.
 
what weight oil are you using? quit using WD 40, it is not a lubricant, use marvel mystery oil or other light oil does sound like a stuck valve more than stuck rings.
 
I would suspect a blown head gasket or something else that would allow water to leak into a cylinder or two, and if allowed to set there for a while, would corrode and stick the rings to the bore. I would pull the heads and look for rust on the cylinders and rings the next time this happens.
 
Marko and Allanwoodieman, I,m pullig out the sparks and using the same mineral engine oil that I,m using in the engine. I will try to find Marvel Mystery Oil here and apply it. tks

Tubman, i every think about that ... and i affraid off. Remove the heads again maybe will be complicaded, once the gasket are not easy available here in Brazil. But was a good tip!

For all other guys, tks for the answers! You are helping me a lot to think in new things to try to solve this problem! Keep going!
 
>>>once the gasket are not easy available here in Brazil. But was a good tip!>>>


They can be re-used if liberally smeared with grease on all four surfaces = both sides of the gasket and head+block surfaces. Jack E/NJ
 
Can you turn it over by hand enough to get a rough compression test on the cylinders? If you can get the equipment a leak down test would be great.
 
Flathead heads go through a torque cycle. Run it up to heat, let cool. Torque heads. Repeat up to 2-3 times.

Tubman's idea on the gasket could be it (since you reused the gasket). So maybe try a re-torque. Lot of things though.

You could probably try a little diesel fuel if you can't find MMO. Not a replacement for MMO just maybe available. Wouldn't over do the diesel though.

Engines like to run, not sit.

Best of luck!

.
 
Jack E/NJ said:
>>>once the gasket are not easy available here in Brazil. But was a good tip!>>>


They can be re-used if liberally smeared with grease on all four surfaces = both sides of the gasket and head+block surfaces. Jack E/NJ
Click to expand...

Just curious: What is the reason for smearing on grease? (And what kind of grease?) I remember someone told my Dad to do this years ago. Later he switched to spraying the used gasket with aluminum paint, which I think is a good idea.
 
Nobody has talked about fuel. What fuel is available to you, or could be in the tank? Maybe add a pint of your motor oil to the gas to lube the valves.
 
Here i just have Gasoline with 27% of ethanol in the formula. The premium one has some additive, but is far to be good also.
Tks for the tip to about the fuel... i didn't think about that until now.
 
Hello all! Tks for every answer. The Ford is running again, and I’m keeping running as much as possible. I have tested again all circuit, and i have changed the point, for a new one, and no more problems to start. Also i gave a check in the tork of the head nuts, and until now the engine not looks stucked again.

Hugs Rod
 
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