Freeing a stuck 4 Stroke

[brendonv]

My parents got an old Troy Built JR tiller, my brother borrowed and it seized as he didn't re-check the oil... It's been sitting behind our shed for a while now. My dad took the engine off, and brought it somewhere to see if they can identify it and order a piston and rings. They told him SOL as Tecumseh is out of business. It's not just as easy as replacing it I don't think...it's got two PTO's coming out of the front, on such a small engine I've never seen a critter. If it was that easy I'd throw on a spare 5hp Honda I have.

I'd like to know if there is a way I can free it up, possibly bring it back to life. I haven't tried getting the head off yet, but should I soak it for a few weeks in oil? Does that Marvel Mystery oil work, or maybe just PB blaster. It's not like we are going to till anytime soon going into winter, so soaking for long periods is possible.

 

[lumberjack]

I'd pull the head and see how bad it is first. If the piston is fragged, soaking it in oil isn't going to help.

Middle brother I presume?

 

[brendonv]

Haha, older bro for once.

 

[SkwerI]

PB Blaster would be my weapon of choice. It's not like you have anything to lose by trying it.

After soaking it in PB for a week or two, maybe shoot some synthetic two stroke oil in the cylinder and head for another week and see if it loosens up.

 

[rskybiz]

ATF is a good penetrant also. and cheap.

 

[TreeDimensional]

Used oil and iodine!

 

[woodworkingboy]

Using some heat can first expand the metal then it will shrink to possibly allow better penetration with some lubricant. You can crack something if you aren't careful with that method, however. There also is the 'liquid wrench' product available.

 

[Strikermike]

I have to agree with Brian. PB blaster freed up my 2000 Nissan V6 after being locked up for a year due to a blown head gasket.

 

[Cobleskill]

Stumper had a recipe for homemade stuff. K1, mineral spirits, acetone, and Dex-Merc. 25 per cent each.

 

[brendonv]

Thanks for the replies. I'll pull the head this week and report back.