Crankshaft Stuck - BMW Forum

bobome · 04-03-2009, 03:59 AM

I'm trying to replace the cylinder head on my 87 325is but when I tried to line up the TDC, I can not turn the crankshaft. This is the fourth or fifth time I replaced a cylinder head but this is the first time I'm having trouble turning the crankshaft. Could it be the pistons got rusted? Coolant was mixed with oil when I drained the oil and the car been sitting for 2 months after the head gasket blown. Anybody got any idea why the crankshaft got stuck? The car is 5-speed. Your advices/comments are greatly appreciated.

beamerboy325is · 04-03-2009, 10:23 AM

roll it back and fourth in gear, that should fix your problem.

bobome · 04-03-2009, 11:56 AM

Thanks for your advice. I tried rolling it in first gear couple of days ago but still stuck. I will try to roll it again tonight and see if it work. Thanks

elsabor67 · 04-03-2009, 12:12 PM

Pistons won't get rusted to that point in 2 months. Was it still running when you removed the head?

beamerboy325is · 04-03-2009, 01:14 PM

Ok try lubing the engine and then roll it,best luck.

bobome · 04-04-2009, 03:01 PM

No, it was not running when I took the head off, in fact, it died on the freeway while I was driving have to towed it back home. Sat on the street for 2 months before I have time to work on it. I'm going to give it a try now and I'll update you in a few hours. Thanks.

elsabor67 · 04-05-2009, 04:10 AM

Do you know if the Timing belt snapped? If so, your block is locked and you're better off getting a new engine. Good luck.

silversled · 04-05-2009, 06:10 PM

so you are saying that you can't turn the crankshaft with the cylinder head off? that would be a serious thing

bobome · 04-09-2009, 12:14 PM

No, the timing belt did not break, it's one piece when I took it off. The car overheated before it broke down on the freeway. When I drained the motor oil, coolant came out first for about 5 second before any oil started coming out. To lube the engine is to pour motor oil on the pistons?

elsabor67 · 04-10-2009, 08:58 AM

If you had collant coming out of your oil, your head gasket is shot and your engine is seized. There is no ammount of lubing that will unsieze those pistons.

I advise you to take it to a mechanic so he can give you an assesment of how much it's gonna cost to get a new engine.