How NOT to Unseize a Stuck Engine! - Latest Auction Find!

Unseizing a stuck 403 cubic inch engine in my latest auction find, a 1949 JI Case LA.

[@Big-John]

This was my dad's tractor. I just posted the video of when we pulled it to the sale. Glad to see what your doing with it !

[@Randys_Relics]

That's awesome! I'd love to know some history on it, feel free to send me an email at contactrandysrelics @gmail.com

[@robertdorr1769]

Thanks, learnt a few things. Hope I can see it running!

[@RicheyAbles]

​@@Randys_Relics))lll)))

[@jeremycherny2041]

That hydraulic trick to push the piston down is genius 👌

[@jeronimocaldeira7873]

Beeing persistent, calm and tolerant we can win any situation, i admire those people.

[@TheLimbReaper]

As a barely qualified "parts changer" , I'm impressed with your persistence.

[@johnscott209]

We have an LA here that had a stuck motor when we got it. We freed it up by making an adapter to thread in place of a spark plug to hook a grease gun up and pump it up. It took some work, but it did the job!

[@johnpeters9903]

That much pressure runs the risk of blowing the head gasket. You were lucky.

[@wendellsmith1349]

I have no idea why i watched this ,but I really liked it.

[@lancemitchell7883]

Gives new meaning to stubbornness. Well done.

[@fastdrive55]

Simply thrilling.And in the beginning I thought I'll never make it to the end :-)

[@davehalst]

I’m shouting at the screen…”take the rocker cover off and check for a stuck valve!” … etc 😅😂

[@brodapagarna6275]

Me too lol, when they dragged it on the road, if it were a stuck valve, it would definitely have bent

[@wdmm94]

No kidding!!!!

[@capt.blackwater4599]

This is how it goes when someone forms an opinion and sticks to it. Could have done a rebuild on this in half the time!

[@stantilton2191]

Quite a battle to free the old girl up. Slow and easy wins the race. Great job!

[@martinw9425]

Waiting for part two......i was looking for ways to unseized an engine, i have a 1972 318, stoped for 30 years, so , that was good inspiration. Thank you

[@tedwpx123]

Amazing the way you did that. Farmers are the best engineers!

[@inthelandofmilkandhoney457]

Excellent Video. 👍👍👍. Better than a lot of crap on TV.

[@jamesrpm3920]

A ounce of persistence is worth more than a pound of talent.

[@harveyrousejr.2069]

Eager to see it run. I would have probably given up on that old Case. Glad to see that you persevered.

[@dmindi1773]

Nice work! Most people would have given up after a couple of days. Looking forward to seeing it run again!

[@brucewrandol]

#3’s valve was probably, at least, partially open therefore rust.

[@user-wc7pb5te2k]

It won't run very good

[@albertsmedley3636]

@@user-wc7pb5te2k I don't doubt your comments as I don't know much about this stuff. To me what was done so far is just black magic. But why do you think that? Do you think replacing the valve is necessary? Is that a huge job?

[@phess11]

Boy, You have immense persistence. Good job!!

[@ronmurphy9819]

Man you got large brass ones! You definitely have more patience than I. I would have taken it a part. Thanks for sharing. I can’t wait for another.

[@js-vm8zc]

This is a good example on how not to break a seized engine loose

[@GaryPArmstrong]

You definitely show many ways to unstick a motor. Excellent Video Randy

[@larrykrise3609]

always glad to see the old ones come back.i am a big case fan.thank you.

[@larryreynolds6353]

What an excellent video showing your deliberate, persistent, measured, calculated, and calm approach to resolving your problem. These can be applied to many other things in life. I appreciated that you did not fill the audio with foul language. This shows that doing so is not needed to accomplish your goal. There is much to be learned from this in addition to the rehab of the tractor. Thank you for showing, in a classy way, what can be accomplished if we choose to do so.

[@harleypub]

Such a great outcome! you stuck with it and it paid off. Thank you for the great video.

[@billyhaddock5540]

Congrats Randy, on finally getting the motor to turn over.

[@aaronbauer4039]

That tractor is in very nice shape... a shame it was left until it seized... looking forward to hopefully seeing it run.

[@arlynsmith9196]

A 49 LA is exactly what my father taught me to drive on. Those big lugging tractors were commonly referred to here in KS as "wheatland" tractors. They could pull a 5 bottom moldboard play around a 640 scre (one full section) field. Edited at the end to say nicely done! I am amzed you got it free without taking the head off and/or dropping the pan - good job!

[@garyfeltus9801]

When it comes to old case tractor's you got my attention. Lol . Most all tractor videos I watch . But case is my favorite. Thanks for a great video

[@Jason1Pa]

I'd agree with you! Looks big a cool. And it has straight fenders which is rare these days 😂 Good job getting it unstuck! Can't wait to see the next video!!

[@dr.deborahkatharinestevens318]

Such admirable patience and perseverance.👍

[@jimthode]

At least you are persistent. In a case like this I have had good luck heating the whole block/pistons with a heat gun in the water inlet to the block. On a recent one I insulated the block and let it cook up to 250 degrees F. After that cycle and cooled back down I was able to break it free with force. The tractor runs great now.

[@stevenm3141]

Very excited to see you got it to roll over! You've got plenty of patience no doubt about it. I definitely want to see you get it running..

[@tomchaplin4372]

Well done , you got there in the end , persistence pays off !!

[@TheDavidcrockett]

Good job being persistent and not breaking anything

[@triggeral]

LOVE IT ! You're a trooper! Bravo to your Success!! Can't wait to hear it run..

[@kirk467]

Good job so far my friend! I hope you get her running! Thanks for sharing and I hope to see the next video! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻👌🏻👍🏻👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@mikebrunosgarage5338]

Congrats on freeing that tractor up! Good luck on finishing up the project!

[@brianward5991]

Great video! If you learned something it was worth the time and energy. Thanks for sharing, I’m looking forward to seeing you start it up!

[@user-pu5wo7ce1z]

Good going Murray! That's what I call a Real Family Album! Enjoyed the tour, once again, too. Be well. Richard from Virginia!

[@michaellynskey7124]

Owned both Ford & Case agricultural & Construction equipment, From UK Great to see someone who is willing to persevere with this old equipment and show the viewers exactly what is happening rather then continuously skip vital information by not filming what you have just achieved, Keep up the great shows 🇮🇪.

[@Anonymous-zv9hk]

Great job - thanks for showing us how to approach a seized-up tractor, w/o destroying the motor.

[@davidkimmel4216]

Great video. My dad had a LA for years. That is one that I used to pull 4-14” plow and a 10’ disc and a 3 section Brillion Cultillitcher. I could hardly see over the hood. I thought I was on top of the world. Memories. No individual brakes the drawbar would swing totally from wheel What a tractor

[@deksea]

Incredible tenacity and persistence. Congrats, Randy. Never give up!

[@jimgardner9044]

I was willing you on! well done, there was a lot of thinking went on to make it happen. Cheers jim in NZ.

[@AgTires4295]

Congrats! Was disappointed it was a cliffhanger! Hung on every second and loved everything about it. Thanks for taking the time to film this so well!

[@Randys_Relics]

Thanks for watching!

[@stuemany]

I really enjoyed this video. I think you spent a lot of time editing out unnecessary scenes because all the content was interesting and kept my attention. Your very good with the narrative also. I think the production is comparable to anything made by professionals. Excellent job! You found another useful talent!

[@laarshegdish6016]

Bravo to you for getting the engine unsiezed! Fought the same battle with a Briggs and Stratton engine on a Troybilt 5500 Watt generator I found on the curb. I lost. Even with a sledgehammer on the piston and lots of penetrating oil, never came unsiezed. I bought a replacement engine in the end. I wish you nothing but success in getting this tractor started and running! Great work Randy!

[@4020Guy]

Great video! Glad I stumbled across your channel! Has now become a regular watch!!

[@beakittelscherz5419]

Kudos for Persistence! Looking forward to follow-up Video! Greetings from Germany🤓👍

[@user-ol5rj8qn9o]

What a stubborn machine. Glad you made that progress toward saving the beast.

[@wry569]

Great video. Looking forward to next episode.

[@stevelittle7390]

I REALLY want to see that case start up. You have the patience of Job!

[@chrisdixonstudios]

Just when yer admiring the thoughtful mechanical methodology..ya realize mechanics also have to be a bit more tougher than an old rusty beautiful USA tractor! Nice to see it has landed into competent hands. Thanks for the schooling.

[@jamesmarsh4957]

brilliant , love your thinking about how to get that engine free , looks such a fine tractor , can't wait to see how it goes next

[@jonathanmiddleton1141]

Man!!! You’re AWESOME!!! You have sure earned my subscription!!!

[@RuralMidwest]

Great video as always, I am looking forward to the next one.

[@richwinegar5517]

You, sir, are a professional!

[@Delmar829]

I AM IMPRESSED WITH YOUR PERSISTENCE. THANK YOU

[@Randys_Relics]

Thanks for watching!

[@5x535]

I have to give you several points for persistence. Good luck getting him to go.

[@northdakotaham1752]

Gotta give you credit for the persistance and working outdoors. We had two LA Case tractors back in the 60s and used them for plowing mostly but gas prices drove us to using diesels so both LA tractors are gone. You will probably get that old girl to run but to get much HP you will probably have to re-sleeve it with new pistons and rings. Most likely looking at a total overhaul but looking at the rest of it, well worth it.

[@peterjoseph3926]

Great video. You certainly have a lot of patience and tenacity. Hope you eventually got the pig going 😁😁

[@JohnnieBravo1]

HA! I have one of those old mechanical floor jacks! Awesome video man.

[@kellycheney6367]

Persistent!!! I have an old Miller diesel welder,1972. that still works and welds fine. I only had to clean the commutator and the fuel system.

[@scottdeeslcutusa8117]

Thanks for showing different ways to getting that engine to turn over

[@scottleininger6201]

Cool ole tractor can't wait to see it running 🤠🤠🤠

[@PaulHigginbothamSr]

Randy ya'll went above and beyond the call of duty on this Case. I wondered when ya'll would give up. I especially felt glum after it moved then tightened back up. The tale will be told this summer. As it works and keeps on working THEN SUCCESS. Oh yes Randy, I really like this Case. Number three needs some rust melt liquid like either Solvo Rust or that old time gel for absorbing rust, especially #3. Otherwise vinager, or muriatic acid will be a good friend.

[@traviskingrey4335]

You pulled out all of the stops on something that most would've sent to the shredder. my dad and I unstuck a 1952 SC, wasn't this hard to do, but every time you crank it over and it fires off is a reward. You'll have the same with this one!

[@jamessmith7691]

A good friend went at his VAC much the same way. He got it to turn over but he did a lot of carnage with a few busted rings snapped tappets and what ever else could break. The scopes are great to show which way to go. I didn't see a rain cap on yours though, or if it was left in a roofless spot. Nice find .

[@countryboy4542]

Looks like a can on the exhaust.

[@nandi123]

Interesting video. Thanks for sharing it. I certainly admire your ingenuity and perseverance. I think I would have pulled the engine because it's probably going to need it anyway if you want to restore it to new condition. Look forward to the next episode!👍

[@reloader8312]

Looking forward to the run!

[@r.j.mittleider111]

If it was a stuck valve ,i would think it would bend the push rod's? Man is doing a great job. Proud of ya😁

[@Randys_Relics]

I've worked on a couple before that had stuck valves that someone else tried to get running. Pushrods were bent.

[@coffinchris3118]

33:37 😊 34:58 34:59 34:59 34:59

[@steffmadin8003]

Good film Randy don't forget to do that valve retainer before you start it. don't want it to drop a valve at this stage. Regards Steve. UK

[@jimjohnson1285]

Glad you got it moving 👍

[@georgedavidson1221]

Amazing detail

[@ianmacpherson2409]

I once had an old pump motor with a seized piston. A old mechanic suggested automatic trans oil. I did follow the sugestion and it worked very well.

[@chevypu4]

Transmission fluid and Kerosene 50/50 and let it soak the best stuff there is.

[@rederickrederick1513]

I liked it, I'm not able to play anymore, enjoyed watching ! Can still make it to the Barn, but not the Fair anymore, Fulton :-) would like to see it !

[@billmueller1013]

Take all the oils out of the cylinders and fill each cylinder with Coca-Cola, let sit for 48 hours. I have never had it fail me. Once freed up, drain cylinders by blowing them out and add oil to them. Leave plugs out while pulling the tractor around for a bit to lubricate the rings. Blow everything out again, install plugs and proceed with the next steps to get it running again. Best of luck to you! I love seeing old iron revived.

[@grandpajim329]

😍😍🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩 YOU ARE " DILIGENT " and persistence pays reward !!!!! So far it looks like a winning hand. Those were very nice pieces of machinery in their hay days. I rode one pulling a two bottom back in the 60's without a muffler, what a bellow in the night air!!!😏😏😵‍💫😵‍💫 THANKS FOR THE "TAG-ALONG" GOD BLESS 🙏🙏 😍😍😍😍😍

[@stevemccoy8138]

Ya ,I'm loving it. I've got the CLASSIC TRACTOR FEVER too.😂

[@dsohn]

Randy, I am very interested to hear it run soon. Atop the exhaust pipe, it needs an adapter to prevent rain water from getting down the exhaust and into the engine. That is probably what messed it up in the first place. I imagine there is a lot of water in the crankcase that needs draining out asap. Thanks for all the persistence. Yes, those valve keepers must be changed out right away. I have worked with stuck engines also. I liked your example of using hydraulic pressure to move #3 up and down. Seems like you are very close to getting it running. Before spinning it any more, get out the old oil and water out of the crankcase and replace with fresh oil. Let it spin awhile with the plugs out, to get oil pressure up and everything lubricated before trying to run it. The carburetor will need good cleanout and rust removal. So will the fuel tank. Good luck with those next- steps. I must say that I greatly liked reading of the person who used the mild vinegar acid trick while leaving some (tractor weight) pressure on the crankshaft and letting time do its work very appealing to hopefully free up piston rings that are probably frozen in the piston grooves, as well as eliminate piston seizure in the cylinder(s). He found after some days that his jack had indeed turned the crankshaft by the tractor's own weight once the rust was dissolved. Brilliant. No great pressure was applied to any one part, which is also brilliant. Just time did the work. I also like another post speaking of doing the same thing but applying Marvel Mystery oil and waiting for the tractor to drop when MMO eventually dissolved all the issues. Probably that frees up rings stuck in the piston grooves almost as well. Hope to see it run soon.

[@w.rustylane5650]

I would have pulled that head long ago. Hope you get her running. Cheers from eastern TN

[@russwabuda1556]

l soaked an engine free. it is a one cylinder marine engine. i had it in the cellar next to the boiler. it took 17 years. i had a steam car come to the farm for repairs. it too was stuck. i used the hydraulic system that you did and it came free. i agree with everything that you are doing. my advise... loosen the rod caps and see which piston is stuck. work one at a time. be certain you are not fighting a bearing. my best wishes, and thank you for preserving our farming heritage. i wish i could help you more.

[@Randys_Relics]

For a while there I was worried I was fighting a bearing. Once I pulled the side plates everything looked fine so I figured I was good to go. Assuming that if it had a spun bearing you would see some discoloration on the rod cap.

[@austincjett]

To unseize an old engine, it's best to remove the head and use a ball hone to clean up the cylinder bore. Using force isn't the best option..

[@boobalew]

Awesome! If the stuck cylinder will start moving, there's a good chance it will break loose. Great job!

[@mickaudiss7234]

😊thanks for sharing this I had many A C 4 cyL. WD tractors some stuck when I got on sales

[@mickaudiss7234]

Fun to work on used them mostly for square bales New Holand

[@mickaudiss7234]

Balers

[@darrenbird124]

I actually enjoyed your video Patience is a rare thing and you Randy have lots of it. Looking forward to seeing if she runs. Great work.

[@gordonagent7037]

Awesome job, well done

[@cordovanbee]

Awesome job!

[@dominickfagan4050]

Well done great patience

[@bustersmith5569]

Nice old Tractor !!!!!

[@anthonywilson4873]

Bouncing on the bar reminded me of undoing wheel nut bolts on Coaches 47 years ago doing my apprenticeship. Made me smile. Stage 1 done. Not sure if Coca Cola down the bores might have helped.

[@plainnpretty]

It wasn’t a long enough video but thanks for showing part one.

[@garymcmullin2292]

in addition to the many "helpful" ideas offered in the comments I would recommend use of vinegar, CLR or other weak acid fill the problem cylinder and let soak. All the hydrocarbon rust busters really do not attack rust, but vinegar which is an acid will. If you have a block heater that is high output it would be a great way to sustain some useful heat to speed up the work of the acid. Suck pistons are really problematic because there is virtually no access to the corrosion layer between the piston and cylinder. My preference would have been to remove the head and get direct access to the stuck piston, then use hammer, acid and direct heat to the piston and cylinder. As it is I think it would be quite surprising if the piston rings are not all stuck in the grooves, but maybe luck will shine on you and with some solvents in the oil you can achieve a decent cleanup and freeup as the engine gets some run time. Really inspiring video, thank you!

[@alanclark639]

Amazing persistence and tenacity but even though you succeeded in getting it to run - it needs a total rebuild to work properly - I'd have used the time you put in to dismantle. But each to their own - will look in again.

[@dennispfeifer7788]

Astounding of your tenancy!

[@Randys_Relics]

Don't forget to check out the next two parts of this series! Thanks for watching!

[@hfdzl]

Quite an ordeal, and I feel for you. Been in the same situation many times, really no other way. Have built a forcing screw from 1 in all thread and various plates plus heat. gets it done also.

[@petervanderwerff102]

What I did with my tractor is fill the cylinders as you did with automatic transmission fluid and acetone and then drain the antifreeze and fill the cooling system with boiling water to expand the cylinders. Then I took the starter off and put pressure on the ring gear teeth with a bar and then managed to get it loose

[@oceanmariner]

If you plan on using the tractor, you're going to have to rebuild. You know the rings are shot and there's going to be rust pits in the cylinder where the rings rested. You won't have decent compression. There'll be lots of combustion gas in the crankcase from blowby. It will never have power the way it is. In the time you've spent, you could have had the engine out and apart. Engine rebuilder, mostly diesels and racing engines.

[@DT-sd4lc]

But it will only be a Parade thector

[@mikespain8655]

Hope you didn't pay much for that old heap. Penetrating fluid and a breaker bar and cheater pipe does wonders. Would need a total rebuild most likely. Complete waste of time and money, no profit.

[@KStewart-th4sk]

@@mikespain8655 Guys that live to bring old tractors back to life aren't worried about time and money. Squatch253 is another KZbin guy, who brings old Caterpillar dozers back to life. He is a guy who refuses to cut corners on a complete rebuild.

[@lassikinnunen]

​@@mikespain8655theres no point in restoring one for profit of course. Thats not the point really and if there was a possibility in that someone would have already done it.

[@dalebailey1844]

I will give you this YOU ARE VERY ABLE TO WORK ON THIS CASE.

[@brtaylor9503]

next time fill the cylinders with diesel for a week or two Great vid cant wait for the part 2

[@tmonteIH]

Hauled a case LA for a buddy. Man they take a big circle to turn around.

[@dougschmitii6165]

Im not a Case guy but that is a cool big old tractor. At least you saved it from a scrapper. It looks like maybe it sat in someone's collection just a little too long without being started once in a while