Moderators: IMOC Moderators, IMOC Committee Members
My mechanic has just told me that the engine is seized through lack of use. He has got the crank turning and tomorrow will try and tow it to free things up."hydralic lock" . Remove spark plugs before cranking to prevent damage.(via spark plug hole) for a few hours to free gummed-in rings. The garage I am using is not an mr2 specialist (although they are excellent) so need some pointers that are specific to this engine. i would go with the soaking method with any sort of oil/fluid. i would then try to turn it over using the crank pulley bolt or rocking it in gear. a tow and clutch out method could be final ! You say the engine is seized yet the mechanic has got the crank turning, suggesting that he has unseized it.( something like Redex would be even better ) If the rings have seized in the grooves towing it and dumping the clutch won't do them any good.Black is not a colour ! .... Its the absence of colour
It it's turning on the crank then it's not seized. Remove the plugs & spin on the starter motor to build up some oil pressure, then go for a start - that's what I usually do. Clutches often stick so you can't get into gear with the engine running, but I've never had an engine seize. - I'm sorry but towing a car to free things up doesn't sound like a caring mechanic to me.....thats v common.
I think he has soaked the engine and freed up the crank.b2hbm wrote:That sounds unusual to me, I've left car engines for longer than a couple of years and not had any problems.
The donor engine I installed in my car when the original engine "retired" was seized and had only been standing for a couple of months. But it wasn't standing in a car and was drained of oil before given a steam clean on the floor. It wasn't too much of a problem getting it free'd up though.| 99 528i SE Touring | 01 Mandarin VX220(minus the SPs of course!) a couple of days ago as everything was seized solid. He tells me that the alternator seems not to be seized.- great news - the car has been started. 
But the one you've got may free up. 
(Tiamat) may have an alternator floating about if he hasn't already sold it. I am assuming worst case and that I need to replace them.- thanks Limeymk1mr2hants wrote:Sorted with the starter motor
All i need now is the alternator
it cost £30 to refurb mine. I had to tow a car once to free up a siezed caliper as i had left the handbrake on for an age, and the car was rusting up (was scrapped) 
mr2mk1chick wrote:
Towing to free things up sometimes means freeing up the wheels etc peeps, not necesarily the engine.
