The seizure of a motorcycle engine is common for various reasons, but its frequent occurrence is indeed frustrating. Possibly you tried a few ways to solve this and were baffled when they failed. Most likely you failed because you do not know how to unseize a motorcycle engine properly.
Several reasons can cause the engine on your motorcycle to seize, but you can unseize it no matter what. It is true that depending on the factors you may or may not be able to unseize the engine.
However, this article will introduce you to the easy way to unseize motorcycle engines and the matters associated with them. So, let’s start the discussion without further ado.
9 Effective Steps To Unseize A Motorcycle Engine: It Is Easier
Below is an easy step-by-step guide to unseizing a motorcycle engine that will help you get the job done right yourself:
Step-1: Gather The Equipment
To unseize a motorcycle, you have to go through a long process and for that, you need some equipment that will make your job easier. So, you will need the following tools:
- Lubricant;
- Wrench;
- Motor oil;
- Terry-cloth;
- Blunt knife.
Step-2: Prepare The Motorcycle
Before proceeding to the main step of unseizing, you need to prepare the bike, such as making sure that the engine of the bike is cool. Starting the engine while it is hot can disrupt your work. Now, remove the spark plug with a spark plug wrench.
It is also a good idea to check the spark plug when opening the spark plug to unseize the engine. It may need to be cleaned or replaced if it is more damaged.
Step-3: Use Lubricant In The Spark Plug Hole
Now, penetrating oil into the hole of the spark plug to melt the dirt or rust on the cylinder wall of the motorcycle will simultaneously help to lubricate the piston.
When the lubrication is complete, wait a few hours so that the areas where the penetrating oil is used are completely soaked. Remember you have to wait until the oil enters the required place, no matter how early you go to the next step.
Step-4: Start Your Engine Once
If the piston is well lubricated, at this stage you need to start the bike’s engine. Before doing this, put the motorcycle in first gear and rock a few inches in front and back, and you can use more lubricant if possible.
However, let it stand before starting the engine and try to turn it with the kick starter. You can also use a wrench to turn the crankshaft bolt.
Step-5: Uncover The Engine Crankcase
If the engine turns even after lubrication, carefully remove the crack base cover of the engine. If you have some experience in motorcycle repair at home, you can try it. Repeated failures prove that you did not do it right.
It’s nothing to worry about. Check out the special manual for your motorcycle model. Also, you can consult with an expert who knows it well.
Step-6: Make The Area Clean
After opening the engine crankcase, if you take a good look inside, you will see a lot of dirt on the top of the piston and inside the cylinder which must be cleaned. In this case, you will need a terry cloth and motor oil.
Dip the terry cloth into the motor oil and wipe off the dirt. There may be some rust in the gap between the cylinder and the wall. You need to use a blunt instrument to loosen, such as a blunt knife which is still hard and sharp.
Step-7: Do Copper Wiring
Properly prepare the wires before using the copper wire. In this case, cut the copper wire according to the length of one foot. To make a paper-thin or flat-shaped device, you need to pound the tip of one end.
Also, work with copper wire around all the walls of the cylinder including the piston. If you sometimes get interrupted while working, you can apply lubricant to make your work easier.
Step-8: Check Again Thoroughly
You’ve almost reached the end, but before you get to the last step, re-examine everything you’ve been working on for so long. Make sure the inside is oiled or the dirt is cleaned.
If necessary, take a look at everything you did from the beginning, from spark plugs to copper wires. If you are sure that you have proceeded correctly then enter the last step.
Step-9: Turn Your Motorcycle Engine On
Now it’s time to start the engine, but before that use a wrench to loosen the crankshaft bolt. Now your engine is about to start. If it has not started yet, it is necessary to assume that the engine is carrying a more complex problem.
When your method doesn’t work, get help from a professional. Professional work will start again and unseize your engine.
4 Signs Will Tell You To Unseize Your Motorcycle Engine:
How do you know if you need to unseize your motorcycle engine? For this you need to know about some of the revealed symptoms which are going to be presented below:
1. The Engine Won’t Run
The first and most common sign that your motorcycle engine has been seized is that it no longer wants to run. It also includes slowing down the bike in an unintentional way, stopping it repeatedly while it is running, or prolonging it. No matter how hard you try, it won’t start.
You may temporarily unseize the engine using some short method but it has no permanent result like you have to experience the same problem again.
2. Unusual Smell
The second symptom you will notice is a strong burning odor and rapid heating of your engine. Since your engine lacks lubrication, it will naturally generate more heat than the cooling system of a motorcycle.
You will need to search for a metallic odor from which the odor is emanating. If you find the exact cause of the metallic odor, you must understand that your engine has been seized.
3. The Faint Knock Of The Engine
Pay close attention to the sound of a running or idle engine. Do you hear a light tap or a faint knock? If you’ve heard, it’s a matter of concern. If you use it in this situation, you are likely to get hit.
You must be familiar with the normal sound of the engine, so you have to pay attention to any kind of inconsistency. Decide to unseize it after hearing the unusual sound.
4. Any Broken Part Of The Motorcycle
Did you notice any broken parts inside as soon as the engine of your motorcycle stopped? If the connecting rod, piston, or crankshaft breaks, your engine will stop working.
This is probably the reason your engine was seized. But, this reason is rare, in most cases it does not happen. Since these are the inner parts of the engine, if one is damaged, it prevents the rest from working.
Approximate Cost Of Unseizing The Motorcycle Engine:
There is variation in the cost of unseizing a seized motorcycle engine. If your engine is rebuilt, unseizing can cost an estimated 2,500 to $ 4,500. Since almost every tool has to be modified for reconstruction, the cost is reasonable. But if replacing the engine is mandatory, you have to go for more cost. Depending on the model of the motorcycle, you need to consider a cost of $ 4,000 – $ 8,000 or more.
The cost of an engine unseize depends on the reason for which it was seized. Don’t be prepared to replace the engine beforehand, find out why. If the problem is that you can unseize your engine with just one repair, repairing it can cost an average of $367.
Another consideration is- whether the engine is 2 strokes or 4 strokes, this can have a profound effect on your engine repair costs. When you have a 4-stroke motor on your motorcycle, you have to go through a lot of complex activities including spending more.
Also, 2-stroke motors are easy to rebuild whereas 4 strokes are more likely to go wrong. Anyway, no matter which motor you repair, first make sure that it is repaired or needs to be replaced.
Related Questions About Unseizing A Motorcycle Engine:
How Do You Know When You Should Unseize A Motorcycle Engine?
The unusual behavior of your motorcycle will send you the message that it has been seized. Even so, owning one is still beyond the reach of the average person. When the engine is stopped, there are some vibrating noises inside that tell you it’s time to unseize it.
Also, with a strong metallic odor or brittleness on the inside, you may notice that your motorcycle engine has been seized. Now consider which way you should go.
Does The Marvel Mystery Oil Unseize Your Motorcycle Engine?
There is no doubt that Marvel Mystery Oil works well for motorcycle engines, although it is not considered the ultimate performance. After a long effort with Mystery Oil, you will be able to unseize the engine. The molten metal you received as a sign of engine seizure will still hold a rough surface that needs to be removed.
Mystery Oil will give you temporary relief, but it will not last long as the engine will heat up again while running. So just using this oil, you can’t expect a long solution. For this, you are recommended to rebuild or replace the engine.
Will A Motorcycle Engine Turn Over Until You Unseize It?
A seized engine from a motorcycle means it may still be working, but it will not start or work until it is unseized. Instead, you’ll probably get some unwanted voice gifts. Even if, you can turn it on temporarily, you will not feel safe until you unseize it.
There are several ways to unseize a motorcycle engine. You may fail to do this yourself, or you may need to replace the engine unnecessarily because you lack the knowledge. However, first, try the best way to unseize the engine.
Is It Worth Unseizing A Motorcycle Engine?
If you drive a motorcycle regularly, you know how worth it is to unseize its engine. There are many good reasons why your engine can sit still for so long. First, you open the spark plugs and fill the cylinders with oil. If it doesn’t work, move in advance.
An engine may seize naturally due to lack of oil, but it is not uncommon for it to occur repeatedly. It is better to unseize the motorcycle engine by yourself or with a professional.
Is It Better To Replace A Motorcycle Engine Instead Unseize?
It is a good idea to replace the engine of the motorcycle when it has reached such a state. If you are the first to witness an event like engine seizing, you may decide to replace the engine suddenly instead of unseating it. You should know that there is a significant difference between the cost of repairing, rebuilding, and replacing an engine.
If your engine is in bad condition, it must be replaced, but this is the final stage before you try repairs and reconstruction. Why replace the engine if it is reusable at a low cost?
What To Do If A Motorcycle Engine Unseizing Tricks Doesn’t Work?
It is true that although there are some effective steps to unseize a motorcycle engine, it may not always work. If you are not a regular home repairer of your motorcycle and if you are trying for the first time, it is normal to have errors in your work. In the end, it won’t work.
Also, if you have a complex problem with your engine, even if it is unseized, it will not be of much use. If your engine does not start after unseizing, it is better to give the responsibility to a professional.
Final Words
Unseizing a seized motorcycle engine is undoubtedly a difficult task that even professionals have trouble doing. However, the way presented in the article on how to unseize a motorcycle engine will encourage you to do it. You may also have to go through different ways to unseize or help your engine perform better.
Either way unseize the engine of your motorcycle, although sometimes it can be expensive. It certainly isn’t more valuable than your motorcycle, so don’t waste your precious resources.
Read More:
