How do I know if my engine is frozen?

[75DBE]

All -- I just purchased a 75 Denver Bronco Edition and I need some help! I can't get the darned thing to turn over and I assume the engine is frozen because I can't turn it with a breaker bar. Anyone want to come over and confirm for me -- or give me some other pointers. I'm frustrated because this engine was supposed to be running when parked 12 years ago. HELP!

[777mechanic]

first did you fill the cylinders with some oil to break the rings loose , if it has sat that long i'd do that and also are you turn the crankshaft bolt to try to turn over ?

[75DBE]

I first tried Marvel Mystery Oil in each cylinder and that did'nt seem to do anything. Then I tried PB Blaster and still no luck. I'm afraid to turn the crank case bolt too hard because I don't want to snap it off. Can I get anywhere by taking the oil pan off and tapping with a rubber hammer?

[75DBE]

I'm pretty sure the crankcase is in neutral but everything is a bit stiff so it is somewhat hard to tell.

[cobshane]

I would say same for the trans fluid and let it sit over night or a few days maybe.

[66and70Broncos]

I'm guessing your the same guy that I emailed from the CL add. I'm glad you checked out the website...you won't find a better bunch of EB experts!

[akaFrankCastle]

Where ya located DBE?

[75DBE]

Union and Dublin in COS.

[akaFrankCastle]

I can swing by after work tomorrow and give you a hand.

Where did you find this Bronco? I know of a DB Edition that sat in a driveway over in that neck of the woods for some time.

[75DBE]

That's the one that I purchased, yes! Was supposed to have been a running engine, so I am a bit bummed. I'm surprised the guy I bought it from won't work with me on the price, knowing this was going to be a family project. I kind of got taken a little bit, but oh well. I would be VERY greatful for the assist. Unfortunately, today is the wife's birthday, and while she is way into the Bronco, I don't think she wants me spending her borthday working on the beast. Any other time is great -- just let me know. Thanks so much.

[akaFrankCastle]

I'm actually surprised you were even able to find the guy to buy it from him. I must have stopped by there 50 times over the last few years just to talk to the guy about the truck.

No worries on today. Probably going to be a late one at the office anyhow. Shoot me a text or give me a call and we can set something up. 719-351-8921

[75DBE]

Ok all -- Assuming that this engine is dead, I know I could rebuild. But, if I wanted to go with something else, any suggestions? How new of a 351W can I easily put in the 75 Bronco? Again, I am a novice at this.

[75DBE]

Hah! Kill me!

[Entourage]

That sucks that the motor is froze. Sucks to have the additional expense of adding a motor. I have a 351 in mine. I am not sure if it is any better than a 302. One drawback to the 351 is I needed to add a 1" body lift to clear even the stock blue air cleaner (thanks airbur!). So if you go 351, plan on the expense of a body lift, scoop, fiberglass hood, etc. in your plans, but I believe they bolt in otherwise. May be a good time to go 5.0 EFI.

[75DBE]

I would consider a 5.0 EFI, but it seems there would be alot more wiring involved, yes? I was planning on a new harness anyways, but the farther I get away from the "as delived" specs, the more afrd I get!

[75DBE]

Awesome assist by akaFrankCastle today! I can't say enough about his effort and the effort of all that have chimed in to assist me with my 75DBE. The wealth of expertise that resides in this group is going to make this project SO much easier. Thanks again akaFrankCastle!

[akaFrankCastle]

No worries John. Glad I could lend a hand, even if it was to only consistently misplace the bolt for your battery cable.

[akaFrankCastle]

Not as of yet. We can get the plunger in the solenoid to engage and it seems as though power is getting to the starter. However, the truck is not turning over. John has had the plugs out for a few days now with the pistons soaking in a puddle of PB Blaster, but we cannot turn the crank with a breaker bar. Seems to be fairly locked up at the moment. I recommended he pull the valve covers and the oil pan this week and see if anything looks twisted or broken. Going to head back over this weekend and see what we can figure out. Only had about an hour to look things over last night.