How to free up a seized motor

[@giacouk8351]

Just used this method on my fireblade, which has been garaged for nearly 20 years. It took an hour soak in WD40. Got it moving on the back wheel in top gear. Bit more WD40. 30 minutes later, it turns over on the starter motor. What a legend, thanks a million 😊😊😊

[@ajjacob871]

I just started getting into motorcycle repair and restoration about a week ago and I have to say your videos and website are the most informative, resourceful, and most hands-on instruction that I've come across on the internet. I'm currently working on 4 bikes that have been sitting for 4 years and 1 that's been sitting for 25+ years. Thanks to you, I feel like I can get these beauties running again. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@mrmaxstorey]

Glad to help

[@TBullCajunbreadmaker]

The next time you do this use Marvel Mystery Oil. This was designed to do everything you are trying to do. It not only provides top notch penetration but it is is also a first class lubricant that will mix well as a fuel additive. So when you finally get the engine broken free it will not be hard to clean out the liquid that you used to free your engine. I have had very good results with it on many different things. It's the best.

[@urbanlovesrural]

Hi Tbull, what is the best way to clean up the Marvel liquid inside Engine once unseized?

[@72hourbob61]

I mix up 50/50 Diesel fuel & ATF. Fill each cylinder to the top and let it set for a few days. Last engine I did was a 4 cyl. Diesel that had been setting in a field for 6 years with an open intake. Been running fine for the last 3 years now.

[@332131440]

Hi, just wanted to say thank you so much for posting this, and all your other videos. They are fantastic. I was given a 1982 Honda CB750C and I'm currently in the process of restoring it. First time tackling anything like this and your videos are extremely helpful.

[@westgl2006]

I use 50/50, diesel fuel and ATF Automatic trans fluid for my penetrating engine un-freeze, i have used this on several bikes and all bike runs great and are still running great.

[@urbanlovesrural]

Thanks Gary, Is ATF + 4 Full Synthetic transmission oil ok to put in there? What should i cut it with if I don't use diesel?

[@urbanlovesrural]

considering wd-40 to ATF-4 mix

[@johnconti1329]

Rebuilt my carbs back in march...never would have even attempted that myself if not for your videos on the subject so just wanted to say thank you!! You the man...keep these videos coming!!!

[@mrmaxstorey]

Thats what Im here for bud

[@pimpedoutstereos9747]

Thank you so much, using your method I was able to unseize the motor in the pit bike that I just bought. It smokes heaps as the rings will need replacing but I had no intentions of bothering with the motor in it

[@muhammadmohsin3321]

Hi Mr max I bought a quad bike 350cc,(Chinese replica of the yamaha raptor 350, it's called hisun. Parts are identical ) project, the owner said it just needs a wiring loom/harness. I bought a harness and installed it, and the bike was turning over, by jumping the solenoid with a spanner but it never started(battery is new) . With some advice I was told to try another harness and another stator and cdi. I purchased all the required parts from someone stripping the same model. I tried it one last time before installing the new harness and is still just turned over but no spark (even though I used a lot of starting fluid) I then put the new harness in and connected it up and it stopped turning over. I tried checking everything on the harness, everything seemed fine. After a while, I put the old harness back in and then too it no longer turned over. I tested the starter motor it's turning great. I took off the left motor cover and trying to turn over the motor with a wrench, I found it to be stuck, stuck. I left it for few months now, any idea what's going on with this bike , is it ciezed and unciezable or is it that the timings are out or any other advice will be highly appreciated Thanks in advance.

[@mrmaxstorey]

With a little luck all you did was hydrolock the motor with all that starter fluid and gas. Remove the spark plug and see if you can get it to turn over

[@muhammadmohsin3321]

@@mrmaxstorey unfortunately removing the spark plug hasn't made any difference. Where's to next

[@mrmaxstorey]

@@muhammadmohsin3321 Bummer. Well sounds like its physically seized. You can take it apart and see what happened if you want but it doesnt sound like this video will help you

[@muhammadmohsin3321]

@@mrmaxstorey whew That's quite strange though, without the motor running, just the starter motor doing that much damage?

[@Crosshatch1212]

@@mrmaxstoreycheers dude you just helped save a old old vmax ,uk Scotland .

[@robertrohr2698]

I have a 82 yamaha maxim 650 it sat for years I could move the engine at all I did the processes that you show in your video and boom the engine is free thank you for the great advice

[@mrmaxstorey]

Thats great to hear its a great bike. Be sure to check compression I hope you get it running

[@robertrohr2698]

mrmaxstorey it runs need the cards adjusted and I love them YICS engines this is like the 3rd one I've owned and my father had a 750 seca

[@rwrestores]

Your videos are so informative, I like the fact it has no bulls*+t involved, they are great to watch. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheIronWarMachine]

I love your videos! I'm definitely going to pick up a bike with a seized motor.

[@keitho77]

"Ride the piss out of it" - Solid advice : ) Thanks for the video. Good information and tips.

[@dc-wp8oc]

Methodical. Clear. Concise. A great explanation. Anyone out there with any success in unseizing a Honda 700cc Magna?

[@SPECTREapparel]

Perfect! Been fighting with my 78 cb550 for a week on this. The trick was putting it in high gear and it worked in 5min. Cheers!

[@CJFilms1001]

One of the most the most informative video on this subject

[@andrewtucker7990]

Mine has got to be the first situation you mentioned because I kept my bike in my livingroom. Especially during bad weather and the winter months.

[@tomashton7208]

I use marvel mystery oil, and put the plugs back in, let it soak for a day.

[@prav401]

Thank you, this was very helpful, have a rebuilt CB550 ( 74) that a schmuck Mechanic let sit promising to fix for a year but never got to it and now the engine is seized up. Gonna give these techniques a try. Fingers crossed.

[@mrmaxstorey]

+prav401 Good luck

[@ThePaulv12]

near boiling motor oil down the plug holes. obviously use metal funnel and copper or aluminum pipe.

[@inkydoug]

This is exactly the information I was looking for. My '71 Yamaha XS650 will soon be running again.If it is only seized.

[@BlizzardHockey4432]

inkydoug ive got a 77 xs750. There a blast. Hope you get it going

[@spitfeueranna]

Another thing this happens to is front shock absorbers. Rain water will get in them and rust them and lock them down frozen. Drain them, use lots of PB blaster and back and forth motion or shocks until you can get them to wiggle.

[@phiksit]

To clean out the oil pan after I drained the cruddy oil out, I took about 1/2 gallon of kerosene and one of those 12.99 battery operated transfer pumps from harbor freight and let is circulate through the sump for about 5 mins. I rigged up a funnel to catch the fluid with a rag to filter it as it drained out the oil drain hole and into a catch pan where I had the pump sucking it back up and pumping back into the oil fill hole. I did a second flush with fresh kerosene and it was a lot cleaner... so I figured it was good enough.

[@TonyStewartKY]

I haven't watched videos for a while due to working on my own bike and car. I see that you have upgraded your camera equipment and now have a camera tripod...its a huge improvement! Although your videos have always been awesome because of the content and the teacher, its nice to not have the camera shaking.. Again great video, thanks for sharing your vast knowledge!

[@TufdogsPlace]

Another fine video Max. I'm sure many will find this useful. Cheers

[@jacksonms212]

MARVEL MYSTERY oil work really well on alot of the boat motor i have done and the few motorcycles but so does WD

[@monkee0knife0fighter]

Informative and entertaining actually. Enjoyed your dry humor. Smiled every time you dropped the term "shit". Now . . . off to the garage.

[@mrmaxstorey]

you know me... i like to keep it light :) Thanks for watching

[@summexican496]

I just got one for $25 and boy am I happy I found this video (was getting ready to scrap it).

[@nightmareinaction629]

Señor Mexican dam you got a motorcycle for 25 dollars lucky

[@TheShanesousley]

I got mine for 150 but 25 bucks damn!!

[@chestercoleman6311]

dude you scored on that jewel!

[@ylism]

I have found the Marvel Mystery oil work great, better than diesel fuel, or wd40, or just about any other stuff. Also adding some ATF into the crankcase helps clean and was the crud out, then after running a little while, change filter & oil as you said. I would run a little MMO in the fuel to lubricate the valve train while riding, go by what the bottle says to use. Hope that helps, it has for others, like me, plus it smells good. lol

[@spelunkerd]

What a goofy way to design a custom intake.

[@MrChevySiverado1500]

A guy had this exact bike at the local street drags, had a swing arm extension and exhaust, beat EVERYTHING there, he was pissing the crotch rocket guys off, I was amazed, one hell of a bike

[@mrmaxstorey]

Yeah theyre torque monsters

[@arthurburt4816]

ive got a 75 honda goldwing gl1000 been sitting for ten pluss years pulled tank flushed shook ann that got it clean or rust pulled carbs off cleaned boeles up flowts needle ste ats reinstalled freed breaks system drained now motor thought about marvels oil and desial fule flushing ithe gears only dont kown best way should i pull the case cap on top under neath where the carb linkage and put a small hose in there to flush the block and just let it wash and pull the lower oil drain plug

[@HartfordHD125]

Hi Max. Another nice video. Some motorcyclists, especially in the States, recommend using Marvel Mystery Oil for unseizing. However I am not sure how available it is worldwide. You did a great job anyway ! Cheers, Roger

[@vt2704]

Thanks. Your the man. Sprayed WD40 straight through the carbs into the head, rocked it, and bubba bye baby.

[@InsaneFrenzy]

thanks for this video i got my bandit 400cc seized motor to work again now only thing i have to do is get it running

[@jasonxdooley]

Great video man! Super informative. Once you have unsealed the motor, you're draining all the WD-40/oil/water prior to putting the plugs back in correct?

[@mrmaxstorey]

Jason Dooley Oh sure

[@shanegriffith5948]

As always..great video. Appreciate the words of wisdom.

[@38KSW]

Diesel fuel is used in aircraft engines, use it all the time, but a mix of WD-40 and Diesel

[@ArduinoAlan]

just bought a bike on Facebook's new Craigslist marketplace thing that is seized. can't wait to use the techniques you mentioned here!! thanks!!

[@cyberjack]

could have put on a small rubber angled snorkel on top .to keep rain out and still look cool

[@TheDrunkardHu]

you remind me of my dad... hahaha! "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." it says more than the words imply. and at a certain point in any vehicles life, you're better off just driving it until the wheels fall off... all of these sayings of course coming from a middle class mechanic who is at the point where he would rather walk than have to change a tire. :D

[@PaulJones-ld9xk]

I used dielectric fluid in the cylinders worked a treat.

[@spitfeueranna]

I use PB Blaster. Fill that cylinder and let it sit quite a while. Add some more.

[@phrankus2009]

Man ... I am always so glad when I see a new upload, from you. So ... What if rocking or bumping the starter motor had worked, initially ?? At what point would you have drained and changed the oil + Filter ?

[@mrmaxstorey]

Yeah I usually change the oil and filter once I get the bike unstuck

[@goesintite]

Is there a follow up video to this bike getting unsiezed?

[@jbuilds1]

great vid :) just sold my first project bike

[@mroakridgeboy9559]

thanks Mr max that worked i got it running

[@hamidabdanan7795]

Did you put the spark plugs back in after the WD40? My bike engine is not seized but when I try to start it, it acts like it for a few tries. I think I am going to add that stuff and see. Thanks for the video.

[@walkerrog25]

Excellent viewing as always. Hope the bike comes good for you buddy. What are those bikes like anyway looks a monster with real muscle. Nice looking too.

[@mrmaxstorey]

Oh yeah man its a torque monster

[@wojciechnosko]

Those are not just after marker crabs they are Keihin FCR racing carburettors !

[@User6327]

Good video, Max. I was hoping to see you bust this engine free by the end, but oh well. Now.. Off to clean that huge oil spin in your driveway! lol Watched it creep along during the last half of the video.

[@mrmaxstorey]

Haha for real. Got out the kitty litter and soaked it all up. Really the only bummer about this video was that I only thought of making it a couple days after I had actually done it and busted it free, this was just a demonstration video

[@User6327]

mrmaxstorey When I saw you rocking back and forth, I think I knew it was was loose. Typically, you'd see the tire skidding along the ground. Very good! Onward!

[@mrmaxstorey]

User6327 good catch, eagle-eye

[@slipryeel]

I do the same I,m un seizing a 250rr at the moment got it just starting to turn over with a little luck she will be going soon

[@Viper6-MotoVlogger]

Nice tips. Then there is also the seized motor due to lack of oil. Take care.

[@nathanjohnson3790]

Great Job! Most Informative!! Thanks!

[@dankoch2010]

Really excellent video. Thanks.

[@BIT1FFY]

GREAT educational video!! Thanks

[@gyreeene]

Great video. I just came into a 1970 BMW R5 that hasn't run in 30+ years. Will this method work?

[@mrmaxstorey]

Its worth a shot

[@MrSlowestD16]

Damn, this was good to know - thanks man! Love ur vids like these.

[@cory1641]

Thanks a ton bro didn't know how that worked.

[@aLargeKawasaki]

Great video! "It's not easy to out it". Hilarious!

[@arthurleino]

My Harley froze in the Philippines. Piston rusted to cylinder, little oil squirted down plug holes and ran again!

[@g41thomas]

Wow lots of water in that engine. I always sta away from any used bike that had any type of modification....😨😭

[@TravisL.Desmadreson]

Great video. Well done.

[@tiltonbrewer4545]

Do a video of a v twin carb , i have a vtx honda 1300 single carb ,unless they're all the about the same.

[@mrmaxstorey]

+Tilton Brewer What would the configuration of the carb have to do with un seizing a motor?

[@sbieramark1633]

Hi there ! Nice video, did you manage to unseized it after all ? I just bought a Vmax with a seized engine

[@mrmaxstorey]

yeah we got it eventually

[@bodawaysurvival9119]

What about a bike seizing from a lack of transmission oil. Like two strokes.

[@lma2256]

Max, (I'm assuming you're still in CA) That oil spill on the concrete, you have to call HAZMAT and pay a toxic materials collection fee! :D

[@tiltonbrewer4545]

you do have video's of carb cleaning? just decided to ask a question about carborater cleaning.

[@mrmaxstorey]

+Tilton Brewer OK yes I have videos up on the channel about cleaning all different types of carbs

[@tiltonbrewer4545]

what difference it makes unless you don't know about cleaning v twin carbs.

[@kevinstearns4198]

water in the cylinders= rust? bottom end bearings will rust too i had a kx 250 that sat it rusted the bearings to shit rebuild time.

[@calebroach4008]

Hey Maxi what do you do to correct your ignition timing on an 77 tt500 if the t and f marks are rusted off the the fly wheel?

[@JEHERETIC]

Great video thanks man!!!

[@MrWiskin]

Gary have you got fucking oil on my drive again? No Dad!

[@cell-one7019]

Great info here thx for sharing...also subscribed to your channel. Having some issues with my bike right and came across your video.

[@mrmaxstorey]

What kind of issues are you having?

[@cell-one7019]

Somehow my crankshaft got stuck and wouldn't turn over when starting. Thought it was battery but had enough juice then tried jump starting it in 2nd gear but back tires won't turn when I popped the clutch and i did some Googling....I tried your method..putting it in the highest gear and rocking it back and forward.. It worked. Got it to start, rode it down the street and now it feels like I lost power.... Spark Plugs?.... I'm no mechanic by all means just like you wanting to learn and do it like you say... And just process of elimination. Thx for responding!

[@mrmaxstorey]

Sou Vannavong Id do a compression test first off to make sure that all your cylinders are good

[@cell-one7019]

Thx for tip Max and I'll do compression test for sure before I ride again. Thx again for all your videos they do teach a lot!!!

[@djohnson3678]

did u find out why it would not shift?

[@southside1975]

this bike dont have many miles on it does it that stator looks like new

[@dinhead12]

Good video man as always.

[@psFAN4LIFE]

Always nice to watch :)

[@Mr1keykneedeep]

If u get it running - you got an amazing deal. Those V-Gas carbs are pricey themselves. judging by the wheels- it's an 85-86 model? Most powerful engines in those year vmax bikes. What was the outcome- she dead or alive

[@mrmaxstorey]

+Ron Towers Got it running great and sold it

[@JeffB2063]

I was able to free up the motor but it freezes up again after I crank it over.2002 vmax 1200.Ihad to remove casing again and free with the breaker bar.

[@jheovannyfernandez2416]

My carb caught on fire when I started my bike then after using dirt and waterto put it out just the gas lines were burned but my kick start got stuck would you happen to know why

[@mrmaxstorey]

You may have hydrolocked the motor with the water. Try taking out all the spark plugs and kick it over a few times to clear it out. Next time dont throw dirt and water in your motor, have a good fire extinguisher on hand

[@mrmaxstorey]

You may have hydrolocked the motor with the water. Try taking out all the spark plugs and kick it over a few times to clear it out. Next time dont throw dirt and water in your motor, have a good fire extinguisher on hand

[@JuanGarcia-nq3js]

Do you put the spark plugs back in after lubrication process before you try starting the bike?

[@JuanGarcia-nq3js]

@mrmaxstorey

[@deksam101]

Great video, but I need to know, did you get that bike [that I am jealous of BTW] running with just this procedure??

[@mrmaxstorey]

+Deksam101 Well, i busted free the motor with just this procedure. To get it running I also needed to cleant he carbs, repair electrical, etc

[@deksam101]

Awesome! Good work! So are you going to flip it, ride it or both?

[@mrmaxstorey]

+Deksam101 Lol this was over a year ago, its long gone

[@deksam101]

+mrmaxstorey Ok cool, Just a dream bike of mine is all. All I have is it's little brother, a 1985 Maxim-X 750.

[@sergioernandez1]

Ok Wd 40 and pb blaster! I got it turning now whats next just change the oil or do I throw anything inside the cylinde to clean up the pb and the wd 40?? Some help here plzzz

[@willmann30]

I pour Marvel Mystery Oil in each cylinder then I get my heat gun and heat up the jugs and really really good all the way around and then I use the transmission rocking back and forth method heat it up really good again and keep rocking it and it is guaranteed to work! use a heat gun not direct heat like a torch you'll screw up the head gasket and then you got really big problem!

[@hertzkot]

respect to you brother!

[@BAMyint-ef2sx]

I've got a seized cb360t and have added penetrant in both spark plug holes. currently the bike won't shift either, even when I try to rock it as you show. Will rocking it back and forth still work if the shift is locked up? it's not in neutral but I don't know what gear it's in.

[@mrmaxstorey]

+B.A. Myint yes

[@nicjennings8137]

I have a honda 80cc dirt bike that is seized. Should all of these methods apply for it.

[@maxstorey1676]

Go for it

[@yasiinnahkier4370]

Nic I'm going threw the same shit my kick start won't move at all hmu if you find out anything new [e-mail] please

[@stewart8127]

Pb blaster if that don't work hydrogen peroxide if that don't work muratic acid. This is only cylinder wall.

[@wyattyates2045]

how much did you pay for the bike

[@cheatgeek4453]

We put used oil to clean it then put good oil in it after 30 minuter

[@RickJones222]

Great info! Thanks!

[@RideWithTheWolf]

Just remember the wd40 will make it hard to start at first until it's been cleaned out.

[@prav401]

The stator and starter gears looked very clean despite the residue in the oil. Whats your take on a bike that was in salt water for 3-4 hours? (Hurricane sandy) its a 74 cb 550 that had some work done on it . Top end rebuild and a bunch of other stuff. I took the plugs out, kicked it over , a little water spit out , put plugs back in , it started up. I drained the oil, didnt see any white salt residue. changed the oil and filters 2 times. I think im ok, rode it many times since, but i'm still waiting for the UNSEEN bug to rear its head... any thoughts?

[@mrmaxstorey]

If it was only submerged a short time, and you changed the oil several times since and it is still running good, then Id say you escaped any real damage. Flooded bikes and especially saltwater flooded bikes usually seize much harder and have lots of corrosion, but I think you are gonna be ok

[@prav401]

mrmaxstorey Cool thanks dude! Please keep the vids coming!

[@fashionstreet1]

I have a 250cc scooter and my motor seized the electric and alarm works fine but the engine want turn over when I try to start it,I was going to install a new engine and everyone says the engine is gone,any suggestions please?

[@snapoverst33r]

Did you have to do something to remove all of the WD-40 from the cylinder before firing it up for the first time?

[@mrmaxstorey]

Nah just let it bun off

[@urbanlovesrural]

is that the same procedure if transmission fluid-diesel is used? Burn it off or does it need to be extracted prior to running?

[@scal760]

Hi again you helped me on my jets . I now have a different issue. 1980honda cb750c dohc started fine. Started hearing a knocking noise. Tight end the cam chain. And still had noise over the #4 cylinder exhaust side. Noise got louder as I test drove it. I gave up and was taking it to a shop. Not far from my house and it shut off. No clunky noise just shut off. And now the bike won't turn on and crank won't turn manually. It's stuck what do you recommend

[@mrmaxstorey]

Is the motor stuck, or do you not have electrical power to the starter motor?

[@scal760]

mrmaxstorey the motor is stuck their is power going to motor I can hear it spin. . I can't turn crank case by hand

[@mrmaxstorey]

scal760 You may have thrown a rod. The repair I show in this video is unlikely to help you with your bike. Time for a complete rebuild or a motor replacement

[@donmiller3941]

Great stuff mate

[@feverdream5184]

Is the pb blaster trick a good thing to do before starting up after being garaged for the winter?

[@mrmaxstorey]

alex davidiuk No only if the motor is seized