QuestionI recently bought a Spitfire that has been sitting for 5 years.
The engine was frozen: I put a socket on the engine crank, and was able to free it up, and it turns pretty easily- however it only rotates about 90 degrees, and it will not turn any farther.
The car rolls in neutral pretty well, and with the car in gear, I can even make it roll a little way by turning the crankshaft-
so it doesn't seem to be in the transmission. Clutch master/slave are bone dry, and I think the seals on both may be bad.
Any ideas on what to check?
AnswerHi Red,
It sounds like you have two issues, One was the stuck crank and that was most likely the rings rusted to the cylinder walls. You evidently broke that loose but after turning 90 degrees hit another stop. That was most likely number two and it sounds like a valve rusted to it's guide and the piston has hit that open valve and stopped. Or it could be rust on the cylinder wall of one of the other cylinders and now that piston is trying to come up that cylinder.
I would not try to start this engine even if you get it to rotate all the way. I would remove the head and hone the cylinders and check the valves for any stuck valves. Also examine the cam and lifters for rust.
Even if you get it to rotate and get it started that rust will take it's toll and that engine will be short lived.
Howard
