* HELP * My .318 will no longer turn over • The Dodge Challenger Message Board

by **cv70chall** » 12 Apr 2010 15:19

We finally got the body work done- only to run into another problem.
We didn't turn the engine over for about a year and when we went to, we only got a click from the starter. The motor ran strong prior to our long drawn out body work.
We placed a fresh battery in, removed and checked the starter and solenoid and they were ok.
Next, we checked the engine/ cylinders to make sure there was no evidence of water/ moisture in the engine.
We found nothing.
We tried a pry bar on the cam bolt and could not get any movement.
Nothing.
We resorted to placing some PV Blaster inside the cylinders and leave it set to see if possibly it'll free something up.
Does anyone have any secrets, tricks or advice on hopefully getting this baby up and running again?

Thanks! :cry:

by **dave-r** » 12 Apr 2010 15:51

Take the plugs out. Put a LONG extension bar on a 1 1/4" socket and try turning the CRANK clockwise or anti clockwise.

If it does not move try taking the starter out first. If it will still not move take the engine apart and rebuild it because it is buggered. :lol:

by **dave-r** » 12 Apr 2010 15:53

Actually if it is that badly stuck there must be something very wrong with the engine like it has had lots of water in it. If it will not turn take the heads off and have a look.

by **Eddie** » 12 Apr 2010 21:17

Did you have the engine apart? Is the starter motor seized? Did you try and smack the starter with a hammer in case the commutator on the starter is seized against the brushes? I use transmission fluid due to the high amount of detergent. I would proceed like Dave suggested with the breaker bar, spark plug removal, after checking the starter. :thumbsup:

1 year in a shop with no water in engine shouldnt cause it to sieze. Yes, if it's still a no-go then it's time to start taking things apart as the ring seal will most likely be compromised. Cast iron factory rings against a cast iron cylinder liner results in very bad things happening to the ring package if seized by corrosion, coolant, water,,ect. Also did you have the battery hooked up to the engine without a suitable earth ground?(This can cause the bearings, rings to seize thru galvanic action or corrosion)