How to Repair a Frozen Engine in a Volkswagen Bug

If the Volkswagen Bug has been sitting for several years, the engine might be frozen up. The oil seeps down into the oil pan and doesn't keep the pistons lubricated. As a result, they rust to the cylinder walls. In most circumstances, the engine must be removed and completely rebuilt, but it's always worth trying to unfreeze the engine before rebuilding it, especially if you were lucky enough to find an engine with low mileage.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape and marker
  • Spark plug socket
  • Marvel Mystery Oil
  • Set of sockets and large ratchet
  • Mark the spark plug wires, then pull them off the spark plugs. Squeeze four or five good squirts of Marvel Mystery Oil into each cylinder. Allow the engine to sit for 48 hours.

  • Fit the appropriate socket onto the crankshaft bolt. Break the engine loose by pulling firmly on the ratchet. If the engine does not break free, do not force it. Put four to five more squirts of Marvel Mystery Oil into each cylinder. Allow the engine to sit for another 24 hours.

  • Attempt to turn the engine again. Once the engine turns, turn it over three or four times. Add four to five more squirts of Marvel Mystery Oil, then turn the engine over with the ratchet five or six times.

  • Change the oil on the engine. Check the battery. With the spark plugs out, turn the engine over with the key several times. If the engine doesn't "hang up," or feel like it's getting stuck, and it doesn't have any other problems, reinstall the spark plugs and start the engine.