MG Car Repair: 80 MGB Engine wont turn over, dot 4 brake fluid, wd 40

Question
I have an 80 MGB that has been sitting for about 4 years, and the engine will not turn over now...We tried to get it to move with a socket, but no luck...any suggestions or am I at the new engine stage?

Answer
Hi Billy,
It is possible that you may have to tear the engine down to brake it loose. But there are a couple of things you can try first.
Remove the spark plugs and put several tablespoons of something like WD-40 in each cylinder and leave it for a few days then do it one more time. Then put the car in 4th gear and hand brake off and have someone help rock the car forward and aft for a couple of minutes. If that don't brake it loose, go to either a mechanics tool truck or try some auto parts stores. The ones that mainly deal with mechanics not the grocery store type parts store. Ask for the air fitting to go in the spark plug hole to accept an air line for compressed air. (providing you have access to compressed air) You will have to try each cylinder because you need to find a cylinder that has both valves closed. One will be in that position and you apply the air hose to that cylinder and leave it on for a while. Be sure it is NOT in gear. Because an air pressure of about 150 PSI placed in a cylinder even in 4th gear will spin the rear tires on pavement. If it is in gear and it brakes loose, the car will jump and can do a lot of harm.
If you get it broke loose disconnect the wires on either of the small connections on the coil and spin the engine with the starter for several minutes with the plugs out. Feel the starter from time to time so you don't fry your starter motor. Keep adding WD-40 in the plug holes. When spinning the engine with the starter note the oil pressure. You should get at least 25 to 35 PSI. Don't bother trying to start the engine if you don't get that or better.
If it has been setting a long time you will probably need to clean out the whole fuel system.
Also only add DOT 4 brake fluid to the brake or clutch. Dot 3 will destroy the seals if Dot 3 is used.
I hope this helps.
Howard