258 seems to be lock up...

[Philly Dog]

Now a proud owner of a 70% rebuilt 1980 CJ7 , AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l - got it from a dear friend who just simply lost interest. He had not run it in almost 10 years. I have gotten it started but, today, the engine just locked up. Will not physically turn over w/ starter - battery/electrical is good. Can't turn the fan by hand. I'm no master mechanic..... bad water pump, or something more serious?? I won't force it until I learn more - any help out there appreciated! Thx

 

[Torxhead]

I would suggest removing the spark plugs to relieve compression then try turning the bolt on the vibration dampner.

 

[Bent]

I would suggest removing the spark plugs to relieve compression then try turning the bolt on the vibration dampner.

I agree. Pull the plugs to make sure it's not hydraulically locked from a bad head gasket leaking water into a cylinder. Turn the crank using a 3/4 inch socket on the crank dampener bolt. Clockwise so you don't break torque (obviously).

 

[Philly Dog]

Thx, Bent and Torxhead. Removed the plugs and, albeit very tight, I can turn the vib damper bolt/engine with a wrench. The plugs are dirty, but dry. Dipstick reads 1/2 quart low, but oil is still fresh looking, not dirty at all. I've had the jeep for 2 months now but just now getting around to tinkering with it. Until it froze up yesterday, I could get her going with starter fluid - would run it briefly (not driving it). Let off the gas, she quits, start it again. So, the old starter (lots of engine components have been replaced, but not the starter) has been getting quite a workout. So, NEXT, I think I'll pull it and get it checked out. Any other suggestions??
Thanks much for your help. (PS - my buddy had this AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l completely rebuilt about 11 years ago - has been sitting, garaged, ever since.)

 

[Torxhead]

To get more juice to the starter, you could make sure that the wires to the starter are in good shape plus the wire terminals at each end. A heavy duty battery will also help out.

 

[ThisGuyUKnow]

Thx, Bent and Torxhead. Removed the plugs and, albeit very tight, I can turn the vib damper bolt/engine with a wrench. The plugs are dirty, but dry. Dipstick reads 1/2 quart low, but oil is still fresh looking, not dirty at all. I've had the jeep for 2 months now but just now getting around to tinkering with it. Until it froze up yesterday, I could get her going with starter fluid - would run it briefly (not driving it). Let off the gas, she quits, start it again. So, the old starter (lots of engine components have been replaced, but not the starter) has been getting quite a workout. So, NEXT, I think I'll pull it and get it checked out. Any other suggestions??
Thanks much for your help. (PS - my buddy had this AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l completely rebuilt about 11 years ago - has been sitting, garaged, ever since.)

I'm not an engine builder but I know that when you remove the plugs it shouldn't take a lot of work to turn the motor. That jeep Sat for ten years, if it was not in a climate controlled facility, at any given time two cylinders are open to the air. If he had the jeep out side and did not regularly turn the motor it is very possible that one or more cylinder walls have developed rust.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Has the engine oil level been ck'd?
Are you SURE the tranny is in neutral?

LG