The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Freeing stuck 216?

OK guys, Engine was stuck when I got the truck. After two weeks I now have turned the stuck 216 all the way around by gradually spraying PB blaster on valvetrain and cylinders and prying on the flywheel teeth. It turns pretty loose now, and the valves are stiff, but moving, with no bent pushrods.
Collective wisdom please:
1. Keep turning by hand? When is it ok to try to bump it with the starter with the plugs out?
2. Will turning it over adequately oil everything? If not, do I need to prime it to be safe? Would pouring oil direct over valvetrain have the same effect?
3. And when should I change out the mix of old oil and PBblaster: now, after a few spins, or after I try to start it?
thanks//

1) with plugs out and plug wire disconnected from the coil, give it a spin or two or twenty.
I'm not sure if your 52 uses a key switch or foot pedal to actuate the starter but in any case I would recommend to run the starter from the engine compartment so you can observe (look & listen) to any and all spinning assemblys. A large screwdriver for pedal and/or a remote start switch should allow for this.
If it spins easily w/the starter, I'd spin it for a while then try to start it

2) yes, somewhat I would oil the valve train manually, all contact points, valve stems etc., before spinning.

3) I wouldn't be too concerned until it starts and runs. If it starts and runs, run it alittle then I would change out all fluids and filters and tune it up, you have a winner .

Good luck, my 216 spun easily but unfortunately wouldn't start so I'm in the process of digging into it to find out why
Dave

Congrats on getting it unstuck!
If it were me, I'd try WD40 and other oil means to get the valves sliding well then prime it with some fresh oil and spin it with the starter. This will clear the cylinders of the excess.
Once satisfied that it's oiling and all is working smoothly, you might just be ready to try the process of starting that puppy.
Good luck!
Jerry W.

I have recently done this to a 216 that was sitting for 12yrs. The engine would not turn over , I found that the valves were stuck. I decided in the end to pull the head and sort the valves. The issue was old fuel had varnished up in the stems, it cleaned off easy on the wire wheel and fresh oil made everything flow easy.

I would use fresh oil .

I would pull the distributor and prime the oil system.

I would spin the engine on the starter for a few revolutions to make sure all is working smoothly .

I would then add fuel and spark and go for it.

This is what I did on my spare 216 and its a great runner now.

Thanks for the advice. Just stuck in a new optima and it is turning well now with battery, valves all moving.
Dealing with a blown freeze plug, radiator, rebuild carb, and boil out the gas tank and lines before trying to fire it up.

I'd get some Marvel Mystery Oil and pour in on valve stems and some into each cylinder. Let is soak and then turn it over with the starter. Do this for a few days. Then I'd take a compression test and see how things look. This will give you an idea if things are in order to attempt to get it to run.

Know this is an old post but thought I would share my experience because this is the closest thread I found. Recently I purchased a truck with 850 miles since overhaul 13 years ago on its 216. Obviously it was parked a lot and I think for long periods of time in between drives. A combo of old gas with ethanol and sitting resulted in four severely stuck intake valves and bent push rods. Could barely be tapped open with a brass hammer. I tried a lot of the remedies mentioned on this site and others. All the lubricants and home brewed remedies, etc. Some didn’t work at all, some worked but the valve would be stuck again when I tried it the next day. What finally worked was acetone. Putting it in a small squirt bottle, and squirting it on the valve stem and working the valve. Then I put the valve stem in a cordless drill chuck and SLOWLY turned the valve while gently working it opened and closed. The valve would be stuck, stuck, stuck, and then all of a sudden free and working flawlessly. I know someone will probably think that was a bad idea but it was a last ditch effort before having to pull the head, and it worked. Engine is back in business and hums like a sewing machine. After you get the valves working, change the engine oil before starting! Will also have to put new valve stem seals. And lubricate anything that won’t be oiled immediately, including the valves and the assembly. Good luck!

Acetone is a really strong solvent. I used lacquer thinner once to dissolve about an inch of tar (evaporated gasoline) from the bottom of a gas tank. Worked pretty well.

I would have never thought of acetone. Thanks for posting.