Turning Engine Over by Hand

[Giles2373]

Hi

I've just obtained a 1990 Fiat 126 BIS and know next to nothing about them! The first thing I am trying to do is get it started and although there is a fair bit to do before this can take place (e.g. replace fuel hoses, replace carburettor butterfly which is broken etc.), the first thing I want to check is that the engine will turn over.

The starter motor clicks but won't spin the engine up, so I'm wondering as a first check, if I can easily turn it over by hand. In other words, is there a pulley bolt that's easily accessible that I can put a spanner on?

Any advice would be great. Thanks.

[jokke]

You don't need a use of spanner. I change engine in my BIS 2 days ago, and it's fairly easy to turn it over by just using your hands on the pulley.

[Giles2373]

You don't need a use of spanner. I change engine in my BIS 2 days ago, and it's fairly easy to turn it over by just using your hands on the pulley.

Is that once its out of the car though? If not, then I suspect mine may be seized as with the leverage I can get by squeezing my arms down, I can't get any movement.

[Rusty's Uncle]

Hi Giles , take the spark plugs out then try it. If the engine had oil in it then they are pretty hard to seize. If the starter just clicks that will be the solenoid throwing in so could be not enough juice in the battery to turn the engine over. Good luck 

[Giles2373]

Hi Giles , take the spark plugs out then try it. If the engine had oil in it then they are pretty hard to seize. If the starter just clicks that will be the solenoid throwing in so could be not enough juice in the battery to turn the engine over. Good luck 

Thanks. Problem is it hasn't been driven in a long time, so the spark plugs seem welded in as well! But even with them out, I'm struggling to access anything to physically turn. I'm about to drop the rear panel out for easier access unless someone tells me not to!

I put a brand new battery on yesterday, so would suggest if it could turn it would. Unless there's a draw down on the circuit somewhere perhaps.

[Rusty's Uncle]

OK my theory is this. The main reason why the 126 Bis models were abandoned or laid up was because  of the head gasket problem. If the car was standing for a long period with coolant in the bores then the pistons will seize in the bores 

[john smith]

I have always been advised to pour diesel into the pots. And leave for a week or so. To let it ease past the rings. As its probably a cold size.  And may well loosen off. I have the same problem. Just hope it frees up

[gammakeith]

Why not jack one rear wheel up?  With the car in 4th gear you can turn the engine via the wheel off the ground.  However, if you cannot easily move the engine via fan pulley then its not looking good.  At least these engines are easy to remove and strip.  I've not had one apart but the BIS has removable liners so it should be possible to knock the liners out with pistons in place if badly seized?  All will be revealed with the head off so, personally, I would start there if in any doubt! What Rusty says is quite likely....there is always a reason a car gets laid up  

Keith

[Gadge]

Take out the plugs if you can Put it in gear and give it a good shove. If you move then it's ok

[Giles2373]

Thanks for all the responses.

I've decided to take the engine out and take it apart to have a good look. At least then I'll know what needs to be replaced and can make sure that if (when) it goes back in, it should be reliable for a few years to come.

Made it a start earlier and hope if the weather holds off tomorrow then I should have it out by lunchtime and can start getting a good look at what needs to be done. I'm sure more questions will follow!

Cheers