MV446 locked up

W

wayja2106

New member
Hello Forum,

I recently bought a 1975 International Loadstar 1800 with a MV446. It had been sitting 24 years. After the usual prep work, it ran. Not well, but it ran. After sitting for a week, I installed a new starter, distributor (MV404 Prestolite replacing Holley gold box) and ignition system. When I went to rotate the engine with a socket and ratchet, to set timing, and it wouldn't budge either direction. After pulling all the plugs, pulling the distributor, and loosening the fan belts, I tried it with the starter. Same problem. No rotation. What could happen after running a week ago? It's not like it tried to rotate and locked. It just won't budge. Anybody have any suggestions? Thank you in advance.
 
First off welcome and BUMMER. Were all the spark plugs normal when removed? Do you have a way to see down the spark plug holes? How is the oil? Suggestion, put in top gear and try towing to see if it brakes free.
 
Thank you for the reply. I do have endoscope and will look into all the spark plug holes. All the plugs looked normal. I just can't imagine sitting a week would be enough time to lockup completely.
 
So the old starter worked and it started the engine when you first ran it?
Try removing the new starter and see if you can turn it. Possible that the new starter is dead or jamming things. If you have access to the ring gear from below, see if you can find purchase for a lever and try to get it to move that way.
See if there is water in the oil. See if the oil level has risen since you ran it.
 
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