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Fried battery?

Alpine 1789

Alpine 1789

SAOCA President
Diamond Level Sponsor
I decided to try to start up the engine in my SV parts car. I did all of the usual things (fresh oil, oil in ea cylinder, etc.) but no luck - its frozen solid. I could hear the solenoid click, but the engine never budged. I even tried rolling the car with it in gear, but it still wouldn't move. I'd say it was locked up. So, I'll pull the head and salvage what I can.

Now: here's my question: I used the battery (which is only a few months old) from my other car to do this. I gave it multiple attempts before giving up. I put it back in the other SV, which now turns over very slowly and won't start. I've recharged the battery but that doesn't change anything, nor does using the 50 amp jump start circuit on my charger. Of course, this could be related to the new alternator (I've been switching back and forth between working on the two cars), but I am suspecting the battery. Before I pull it out and head over to AutoZone, does anyone have any thoughts/recommendations?

Thanks.
 
Rsgwynn1

Rsgwynn1

Silver Level Sponsor
Just run a load test on it, Jim. You've got a tester that will do this, right? They're about $15 at most auto shops--the kind with the big clamps and gauge. I got mine from Harbor Freight and have used it for years on my boats.
 
V

V6 JOSE

Donation Time
Jim,

Since you just placed it in another car, then put it back, did you make sure that the cables are good and tight? You mignt have overlooked one of the cables, which would have given the same symptoms you describe.

Jose
 
Nickodell

Nickodell

Donation Time
Before you give up on the "frozen" engine, try injecting a couple of ounces of penetrating oil - Marvel Mystery Oil will do - in each plug hole and leave it overnight. Leave the plugs out and put the transmission in top gear. A lot of people make the mistake of trying to push-start in first or second. In top, the engine is receiving more turning force from the rear wheels than in lower gears - exactly the opposite of when the engine is driving the wheels.
 
Alpine 1789

Alpine 1789

SAOCA President
Diamond Level Sponsor
I am pretty sure the engine is toast. I even pushed it part way up my driveway, then tried to roll it down hill in 4th. The engine wouldn't budge. I started tearing it apart last night. The heater hoses were completely full of black gunk. I can't wait to see what I find when I pull the head.

As for the battery, I am sure the cables are tight; they are the same quick release ones I have had for 25 years. I pulled it out yesterday and will take it into AutoZone (where I bought it) to be tested on the way home from work today. I'll report back when I know more.
 
Alpine 1789

Alpine 1789

SAOCA President
Diamond Level Sponsor
Had the battery load tested last night and all was well, so I went home and cleaned and tightened all of the contacts. It still turned over slowly, but finally fired up and ran great. I think the problem was just that it had been sitting for a week or so, as it started immediately this morning. The ammeter reads a steady charge or discharge, as appropriate.

As always, thanks for the advice.
 
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