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Seized Engine?

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by Stef, May 27, 2019.

  1. Stef

    Stef New Member

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    Hey guys,

    New member here, Ive recently picked up an 82 xj650 for cheap.
    The bike has sat for the last 15 years and hasn't run since. I stupidly assumed the engine would be fine and just did some maintenance on it (new gaskets, new oil, new plugs etc).

    However I've just tried starting the bike and it seems the engine isn't rotating. I can hear the starter solenoid click and the starter spin then stop like it can't spin anymore.

    I tried putting the bike in 1st gear, holding the clutch in and rolling it but the rear tire is locked up. However when the bike is in neutral it spins freely.

    Any thoughts?

    How can I go about hand cranking the engine to see if it rotates? Will I have to drain all the fresh oil out to do so?

    If I can determine it is seized Ill put some mystery oil in the spark plug holes and let it sit for a while I suppose.

    Thanks!
     
  2. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    The engine is most likely free, and you have the signs of either:
    1. a weak battery.
    2. A starter motor in need of rebrushing, or
    3. A starter clutch in need of rebuild (less likely, and hope not).

    On the left side of the engine there is a cover with YICS on it. Remove the cover (JIS screwdriver, not Phillips).
    Underneath you will find the pickup coils and reluctor. On the reluctor plate you will see a sqare protrusion. Put a 19mm wrench (not a socket, not a crescent wrench) and turn it counter-clockwise to confirm that the engine is free. Do so with the bike in neutral, and the sparkplugs removed.

    Also, welcome aboard. Read the first link in my signature.
     
  3. Stef

    Stef New Member

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    Wow thanks for the great info and welcome! Perhaps this is a dumb question but there is no oil behind that cover right? It is the circular on? Still learning my way around this bike. Reading that link now! cheers
     
  4. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    No oil. Just ignition components and the end of the crankshaft.
    If you do find oil there, then the crankshaft seal needs to be replaced.

    [​IMG]
     
  5. Stef

    Stef New Member

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    Awesome thanks! will let you know how it goes. Should I take the spark plugs out to relieve compression?
     
  6. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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  7. Stef

    Stef New Member

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    Well took the cover off, the plugs out and put the bike in neutral. Crank wont move at all, looks like the engine is seized.
    Looking through the intake ports and spark plug holes it looks like theres a ton of soot built up on the pistons. Any idea what to do next? I poured a bit of engine oil into cylinder 1 and its just sitting in there.
     
  8. Jetfixer

    Jetfixer Well-Known Member

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    A mix of ATF/acetone poured in spark plug holes let sit for a few days and then see if it frees up.
     
  9. Simmy

    Simmy Well-Known Member

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    Where in Canada are you?
    I have a 650 motor in Waterloo Ontario, if you're close it might be a consideration.
    I haven't verified if it is seized or not.
    The bike had 29,000 kms, XJ650RJC, YICS and electronic tach.
    If interested I can see if it spins.
     
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  10. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    After the soak, rock the crank. Don't try to turn it a full revolution at first. It may take several soakings.
    If she frees up easily than she might run again without needing to tear the top end down.
    If she's really stuck, plan on a top end teardown and new rings at a minimum.
     
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  11. Toomanybikes

    Toomanybikes Well-Known Member

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    I have an Xj700n motor if you are on the west coast.
    I have used diesel and kerosene mix and it works great. Nice thin consistency that works it way past the rings. Ever morning stick it in gear and gently rock the bike back and forth and it has worked for me many times.Not saying that your motor will have 140 psi compression, but it may start ;)
     
    Last edited: May 28, 2019
  12. Stef

    Stef New Member

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    I’m in Winnipeg, too bad greyhound doesn’t do freight anymore or I’d snag one Forsure.


    Anyways, I put some marvel mystery oil in the holes tonight so I’ll let it soak, I’ve been going out every now and then and wrenching the crank back and forth, it has about an eighth of an inch of movement in it, probably just crank play?

    Is it possible to remove the top end while the engine is in the bike? I might do that tomorrow to get a better look at the pistons and clean the carbon off them

    Thanks for all the reply’s!
     
  13. Toomanybikes

    Toomanybikes Well-Known Member

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    Try the rocking back and forth in gear It gives more force than just a wrench
     
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  14. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    Yes it is. I'd wait to see if the engine frees-up some more before teardown. If the piston rings are stuck to the bores you won't be getting the cylinders off without risk of damage to the castings.

    The movement you hae is a good sign. There is no play at the crank that you will ever feel.
     
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  15. Stef

    Stef New Member

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    Should I be holding the clutch in while doing this? Gonna try this method today
     
  16. Chitwood

    Chitwood Well-Known Member

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    No. Leave the clutch out so it is actually trying to rock the crankshaft
     
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  17. Dave in Ireland

    Dave in Ireland Well-Known Member

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    Before you dump any more ATF/acetone/diesel/fairy tears down the bores, you'd be well to drain the oil out before it gets contaminated too much. Once you've got the lump free-ish put the oil back in and use it for the first hundred miles or so. Then throw it away. The oil, not the bike.
     
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