Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[First Bedford]

Have finally got 1952 K type Bedford in my unit, 6 cylinder. Put starting handle in but wont turn. Hasn't run since I don't know when. Hopefully it's just with it being stood and nothing serious. Not in a position at the moment to tow it off through the box, or have head off etc. Any thought dropping something into the plug holes to stand a bit?
Have rocker cover off, all looks in order.
Pete

[Peter_L]

Have you checked that the gearbox/clutch is running free. ?

Put in gear, jack up one side rear, turn the wheel and get someone to depress the clutch.

I, personally, wouldn't try to just lubricate my way out of a seized engine unless I was prepared for a rebuild anyway.

[First Bedford]

Thanks PeterWPG, should have tried clurch when winching into unit. Will drop it back a bit, into gear and wich it back up trying clutch. Not ready yet to start stripping motor, hasn't run for a lot of years.
Pete

[Glenn Crawford]

Diesel fuel is reputed to have non-harmful and very effective penetrating properties. Pour a generous amount into each cylinder, leave the plug out so you don't risk "hydraulic lock" if it does free up, and wait a few weeks before trying again. You'll be changing the sump oil before you run the engine, won't you, so it won't matter when the diesel fuel drains past the pistons and into the sump.

I'm assuming it's probably the "usual" of the piston rings having seized to the bore in one or more cylinders, and probably, like Peter says, even if it does un-seize you'll be needing to take it all to bits after a few thousand miles, but it's always nice to hear an engine run before you start repairs isn't it.

[Rick]

It may just be sticking valves. It'd be worth whipping the head off and having a look for rust in the bores though. If they look clean, you could try a drop of diesel down each pot, and leave it to soak.

R
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[First Bedford]

Thanks all, before I came home tonight I droppped some red derv down each pot. Still getting organised to start wiork on it. This will priority now, get it running so I can move it about.
Pete

[buzzy bee]

Hi

Perhaps not in this situation, but it can work on siezed engines, make an addapter for the plug hole, and put a grease nipple in to the adaptor, use your gun, and fill with grease, a good pressure can be achived in a nice equal way in this way.

Cheers

Dave

[First Bedford]

Turns over freely now, has stood with red diesel in the cylinders, today starting handle turned engine quite easily.
Pete

[rustyreks]

I have a msc 1950 bedford truck that was sitting for over twenty years in a shed it has a straight six engine model i found they are prone to the exhaust valves seizing abnout 4 had seized just check that the push rods havent bent on mine about 10 of them were bent out of shape but managed to straighten even the worst ones am interested how you get on mine is now going as i ended up replacing the head as i had trouble getting the early valves it now has the later head which fits straight on and i think will be okay for unleaded petrol the motor ticks over nicely am now working on repairing the grill as it was damaged and panel beating the guards etc all the best brent nz

[First Bedford]

Thanks Brent, did get it moving. have stripped engine and all seems ok. Even managed to get a full overhaull gasket set. there new exhaust valves advertised on E Bay uk. The seller is on all the time, vlves, pistons etc, all new old stock.
Have had my radiator recored £273, need to make a 300mm section for the passenger windscreen pillar and weld it in. I have no body on the back of mine yet, will look for one to copy but thinkthe timber will be expensive.
talking of timber, a lot of the cab framework has got wet rot on the ends so will have to replace them. Everyone suggests ash but wondering if there is anything cheaper.

[PAUL BEAUMONT]

Ash is classic, but try specialist timber merchants but with a knowledge of what you actually need size-wise. Sometimes you can pick up offcuts that are spot on for the job, but useless to them at reasonable prices.
Paul