Author Topic: seized motor................unsticking  (Read 7890 times)

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Offline Tom in Newcastle......Ontario

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seized motor................unsticking
« on: April 12, 2008, 11:41:51 AM »
Are there any suggestions as to how to unseize a motor,I just picked up a 74 550 with many engine mods but will not kick over,and am picking up a 78 750 f with the same issue,I did do a search but either spelled it wrong or not the correct words
1978 cb 550k......stock,my first re-build


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Offline kayaker43

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Re: seized motor................unsticking
« Reply #1 on: April 12, 2008, 11:48:14 AM »
Don't even try,... you will just ruin parts.

Tear it down and you may be able to save the pistons even if the cylinders are rusted. Turn it over as little as needed for dissassembly but especialy don't try to start it up.

Offline nickjtc

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Re: seized motor................unsticking
« Reply #2 on: April 12, 2008, 12:10:36 PM »
I've heard tales of people squirting WD40, or penetrating oil, or other 'free-er upper' fluids into the bores, letting it sit and the kicking the motor over. As kayaker says, there is a possibility you may do more harm than good if you do this. If the pistons are stuck in the bores you are going to have to strip the engine down anyway, so you might as well do it from the get go.

I'd be interested to hear what other (more experienced) members think.........
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Offline City Boy

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Re: seized motor................unsticking
« Reply #3 on: April 12, 2008, 12:23:17 PM »
Try this.Pour a couple oz's of penetrating oil,wd40,or diesel fuel into spark plug holes.Leave plugs out.leave a few days.Remove alternator cover.Attach a 6 point impact socket to alt. bolt.Using air or lectric impact gun,apply a 1-2 sec. burst in clockwise direction.Repeat a few times.If still stuck,leave again a few days.Try again.If this works,try starting engine and see how it runs;you MAY avoid a teardown if you are lucky and Murphy is not lurking about.Rock On
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Offline TwoTired

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Re: seized motor................unsticking
« Reply #4 on: April 12, 2008, 02:03:57 PM »
A lot depends on WHY it is stuck.  If the rings are lightly rusted to the cylinder walls, you might get it free by dumping a 50/50 mix of acetone and auto trans fluid into the spark plug hole, a waiting for it to loosen things up.

Put the bike in the highest gear and "worry" the rear wheel back and forth to try to get the pistons to move.

However, if the trans is locked or a valve is stuck open, or the cam is frozen, or (insert many mechanical issues here) then dismantling it is the way of the future.

Can you borescope the cylinders?

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Offline kayaker43

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Re: seized motor................unsticking
« Reply #5 on: April 12, 2008, 04:09:11 PM »
Its usually always caused by rusted cyl's if it ran before being parked. Judging by the picture its probably an improper storage/rust problem but certainly could have been blown up first and then parked??

If it is rust, you may get it unstuck and running, but its on borrowed time and then will need a total rebuild after you tear up the bores and circulate the rust through the engine. They never magically heal. Rust has to be dealt with, and its better sooner than later.

Having said that, I would look for clues to confirm a rust problem. pull the plugs, carbs and pipes then peek in every hole.

Offline 750goes

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Re: seized motor................unsticking
« Reply #6 on: April 12, 2008, 04:27:15 PM »
a good soak down the bores with kerosene, diesel, anything really that will penetrate some light rust will do...
don't panic - let it sit a few days...
in the meantime check your sump oil for contamination and or metal flakes, and or water..even take the sump off if you feel inclined to check how crappy it may be.

after a few days - try TT's advice of using the back wheel as leverage...if you get any movement - worry it back and forward for a while - then put more kerosene, diesel down the plug holes...wait a few more days...then do it all again...

If all goes well in a few weeks your motor may be loose enough to go to the next step of trying to turn it over.... good luck in your quest.


Offline Tom in Newcastle......Ontario

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Re: seized motor................unsticking
« Reply #7 on: April 12, 2008, 04:33:01 PM »
As far as I know the bike never ran after 87(licence plates),from what I know of this motor,it was rebuilt once with ,Yoshmura Daytona cam,Yosh pistons,Yosh cam chain,Balanced crank,ported and polished,Barnett clutch,,,,,,,,,I am not into speed/power anymore and don't know if I want to get into a re-build and was wondering if maybe I should strip the motor down and sell the parts here on SOHC,any thoughts on this..or "how much is this worth".........LOL
1978 cb 550k......stock,my first re-build


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Offline Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er

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Re: seized motor................unsticking
« Reply #8 on: April 12, 2008, 05:52:49 PM »
If you truely have all the Yosh stuff, etc and if it were me I would take it apart to protect all that expensive unobtainable stuff!
As of today 3/13/2012 my original owner 75 CB750F has made it through 3 wives, er EX-wives. Free at last.  ;-)

Offline mystic_1

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Re: seized motor................unsticking
« Reply #9 on: April 12, 2008, 05:59:50 PM »
I'll give you $3.50 for it.   ;D

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Offline Terry in Australia

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Re: seized motor................unsticking
« Reply #10 on: April 12, 2008, 06:15:20 PM »
Ah ha, a cunningly disguised "How much is it worth" thread? ;D

Take TT's advice re: the penetrating fluid, but after a couple of days, take all the cosmetic parts (tank, side covers, gauges etc) off, then take it to the steepest hill in your area.

Get some of your buddy's to give you a push down that hill, and when you're going really fast, kick it into second or third gear! Make sure someone has a movie camera, and it's rolling. 

If it un-sticks, excellent work! If not, we'll all enjoy the footage on youtube, and someone here will buy your tank, side covers and gauges, etc. Cheers, Terry. ;D
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Offline cafe750

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Re: seized motor................unsticking
« Reply #11 on: April 12, 2008, 09:03:14 PM »
I'll give you $3.50 for it.   ;D

mystic_1
I'll give you $4.50 for it and a case of beer.  ;D
Seriously though, let me know how much you want for the whole motor, if you're interested in selling it... ;)
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Offline 750goes

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Re: seized motor................unsticking
« Reply #12 on: April 13, 2008, 12:00:43 AM »
I like Terrys idea best, and you could sell the video if it turns out funny enough... then you can still sell all the Yoshi parts anyway.

If it was mine I would pull it apart and rebuild it if it were salvageable, and all the parts were within spec....

My offer is $5.50 plus a bottle of Dr Jurds Jungle Juice (you pay transport to OZ)...I can possibly make it two bottles but you better decide quick.... ;D

Offline cafe750

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Re: seized motor................unsticking
« Reply #13 on: April 13, 2008, 07:39:45 AM »
I like Terrys idea best, and you could sell the video if it turns out funny enough... then you can still sell all the Yoshi parts anyway.

If it was mine I would pull it apart and rebuild it if it were salvageable, and all the parts were within spec....

My offer is $5.50 plus a bottle of Dr Jurds Jungle Juice (you pay transport to OZ)...I can possibly make it two bottles but you better decide quick.... ;D
Fine, $6.50, and a case of whatever is your favorite poison...and, I'll send you a stock unstuck 550 motor to throw back in the bike... ;D
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Roy, Washington

Offline mystic_1

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Re: seized motor................unsticking
« Reply #14 on: April 13, 2008, 08:00:27 AM »
Seriously though, if it were me, an engine like that I would take apart VERY carefully, clean it meticulously, and reassemble.

A locked up stocker is one thing, but that motor sounds like it may be worth the trouble to get running properly.

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Offline cafe750

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Re: seized motor................unsticking
« Reply #15 on: April 13, 2008, 08:55:11 AM »
Seriously though, if it were me, an engine like that I would take apart VERY carefully, clean it meticulously, and reassemble.

A locked up stocker is one thing, but that motor sounds like it may be worth the trouble to get running properly.

mystic_1
+1. If it is actually as you say, then it would be worth the effort to get her going again.
"It's an old motorcycle, the wind is supposed to blow your head around, it's supposed to leak oil, the brakes should suck, and every now and then, it should scare you so bad you piss your pants."



Roy, Washington

Offline 754

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Re: seized motor................unsticking
« Reply #16 on: April 13, 2008, 09:11:55 AM »
It s a 550, the topend comes of in frame , right?

So pull it apart..

Even a pile of Yosh stuff on the floor with rods that feel tight..is worth far more than a, "supposed to be full of Yosh stuff, but motor is stuck bike"...IMO.



Why force it if you want to run it? if it was all stock.maybe.. but not this one..
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Offline Tom in Newcastle......Ontario

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Re: seized motor................unsticking
« Reply #17 on: April 13, 2008, 01:14:53 PM »
I'll give you $3.50 for it.   ;D

mystic_1
I'll give you $4.50 for it and a case of beer.  ;D
Seriously though, let me know how much you want for the whole motor, if you're interested in selling it... ;)

$4.50 is a good price but that case of beer is that American beer,or Canadian ,


I am going to try the penetrating oil in the cylinders but first I have to get the second plug from the right(sitting on bike) out I am soaking it right now and going to give it a couple days,I know it's hard to believe but some of you guys almost seem to know what you are talking about..Thanks
1978 cb 550k......stock,my first re-build


Loud pipes suck.......

If you buy something.........pay for it !
If you sell something .......ship it !
If you say you are going to do something......do it !
If you have a question about something......ask it !
When the seller answers ........let him know whether you still want it or not !
If you receive something .....let the seller know you got it !
If you get something and are happy/un happy with it .....let the giver/seller know !
If you have any kind of issue,shipping/receiving/quality/price/shipping charges etc !
Communicate

Offline CBGhia

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Re: seized motor................unsticking
« Reply #18 on: April 13, 2008, 01:22:08 PM »
I have had success with Marvals Mystery oil.   I use it in VW motors that are stuck and have freed up a few of them.  Pour it in and let it soak for a few days and like everyone said try playing with the back wheel while in 4th.
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Offline Tom in Newcastle......Ontario

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Re: seized motor................unsticking
« Reply #19 on: April 13, 2008, 01:43:13 PM »
I have heard many people mention this fabled stuff"Marvels Mystery Oil"has any one in Ontario Can ever found it....................
1978 cb 550k......stock,my first re-build


Loud pipes suck.......

If you buy something.........pay for it !
If you sell something .......ship it !
If you say you are going to do something......do it !
If you have a question about something......ask it !
When the seller answers ........let him know whether you still want it or not !
If you receive something .....let the seller know you got it !
If you get something and are happy/un happy with it .....let the giver/seller know !
If you have any kind of issue,shipping/receiving/quality/price/shipping charges etc !
Communicate

Offline CBGhia

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Re: seized motor................unsticking
« Reply #20 on: April 13, 2008, 04:28:32 PM »
Wow! If you guys don't have it up there I'm sorry for you.  I love the stuff.  You could probably have it mailed up if the local auto parts house doesn't have it.  ;D
CB550 Cafe, GL1000, Buell Ulysses
if you dont trial spin the camshaft in the head and cover you are a novice,with no natural mechanical appitude,destined for destruction.
"The cleaner the dipstick, the closer to God." -Rev. Horton Heat
“Faster, Faster, until the thrill of speed overcomes the fear of death.”  - Hunter S. Thompson

Offline BobbyR

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Re: seized motor................unsticking
« Reply #21 on: April 13, 2008, 05:04:47 PM »
A very good penetrant is ATF mixed 50/50 with acetone.
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Offline Terry in Australia

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Re: seized motor................unsticking
« Reply #22 on: April 14, 2008, 10:57:54 PM »
A very good penetrant is ATF mixed 50/50 with acetone.

You shouldn't comment on Penetrant with that avatar pic Bobby, it just seems, er, wrong...........  ;D
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Offline voxonda

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Re: seized motor................unsticking
« Reply #23 on: April 14, 2008, 11:38:29 PM »
A very good penetrant is ATF mixed 50/50 with acetone.

You shouldn't comment on Penetrant with that avatar pic Bobby, it just seems, er, wrong...........  ;D

Totally agree with that, can't keep my eyes and mind of!!!!! ;D ;D ;D
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Offline nickjtc

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Re: seized motor................unsticking
« Reply #24 on: April 15, 2008, 07:39:54 AM »
You shouldn't comment on Penetrant with that avatar pic Bobby, it just seems, er, wrong...........  ;D

Penetrating with a mix of ATF and acetone might be a tad uncomfortable........................if you get it on your hands you sickos. ;)
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