Stuck 53 308

wwhale · Posted: Wed Jul 19, 2006 4:44 pm Post subject: Stuck 53 308

A gas station in Calgary is working on a 53 Hornet with a supposedly stuck 308 hydra-matic. The story I got was that the car was running when stored 3 years ago but is now stuck. The car is in excellent shape and was stored in a garage.

A quick look at the car leads me to believe that it is unlikely that the engine became stuck in only 3 years when well stored. They've tried the usual stuff to free up the engine, but I'm curious if anyone knows of any scenario with an accessory or the hydra-matic that might simulate a stuck engine?

The car owner is willing to have the engine rebuilt or replaced if necessary so if anyone knows of an available 308 or can recommend an experienced Hudson engine builder in Calgary please let me know.

Thanks in advance,
Warren

51hornet · Posted: Wed Jul 19, 2006 6:15 pm Post subject: Re: Stuck 53 308

Warren,

look in the gallery you will see this car. I have not heard of a hydramatic causing a problem like this. The Hydramatic does not engage the torque converter until fluid pressure builds up. First thing they need to pull the plugs and then grab the fan without the plugs a 308 will turn-over by hand. If it does not you need to pour oil or marvel miracle oil down each cylinder and wait a day and try again.

Does the starter engage or is the bendix stuck in the ring gear? This will stop the engine from starting and sound like its stuck for this take off starter. I need to know what sound the engine and starter make when trying to start. An engine can cease if left for 3 years. But pouring oil down the plug holes turning by hand then pouring down some more and keep doing that until you can turn freely should help.

If that fails the head gasket may have leaked allowing antifreeze to leak into the cylinders and they maybe rusted. They will need to pull the head to inspect this.

And finally do you know the owner? invite him to our meet on the 29th he will get plenty of advice there and may find an engine.

wwhale · Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 9:43 am Post subject: Re: Stuck 53 308

51hornet wrote:

Warren,

look in the gallery you will see this car. I have not heard of a hydramatic causing a problem like this. The Hydramatic does not engage the torque converter until fluid pressure builds up. First thing they need to pull the plugs and then grab the fan without the plugs a 308 will turn-over by hand. If it does not you need to pour oil or marvel miracle oil down each cylinder and wait a day and try again.

Does the starter engage or is the bendix stuck in the ring gear? This will stop the engine from starting and sound like its stuck for this take off starter. I need to know what sound the engine and starter make when trying to start. An engine can cease if left for 3 years. But pouring oil down the plug holes turning by hand then pouring down some more and keep doing that until you can turn freely should help.

If that fails the head gasket may have leaked allowing antifreeze to leak into the cylinders and they maybe rusted. They will need to pull the head to inspect this.

And finally do you know the owner? invite him to our meet on the 29th he will get plenty of advice there and may find an engine.

The service station is trying the usual lubricants in the cylinders and I've suggested that they look at the starter. I had thought of a possible coolant leak but had assumed the mechanic had considered that already. He works on antiques a bit, (Thunderbirds specifically), and is familiar with all the usual 'challenges' we all face. Smile

I suggested that he tell the lady owner about the Hudson meet and will be following up with him on some additional info from the service manual. Apparently the car has been in the same family from new and is well appreciated. Smile

Thanks,
Warren

51hornet · Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2006 10:14 pm Post subject: Re: Stuck 53 308

Hey Warren,

any update on the progress on this car?

Sean

wwhale · Posted: Thu Jul 27, 2006 6:38 am Post subject: Re: Stuck 53 308

51hornet wrote:

Hey Warren,

any update on the progress on this car?

Sean

I dropped into the service station last Thursday with a Hudson manual and the club suggestion that the likely cause was a head gasket leak. Unfortunately the mechanic working on the car was out of town for a few days and I was unable to talk to him so no update on progress.

The other guys there did say that there was a lot of interest from the public about the car though. Smile

I have my 46 Hudson pickup ready for the meet this weekend and hope to get some advice from the gathered experts on the state of it's engine. Smile

51hornet · Posted: Thu Jul 27, 2006 11:50 am Post subject: Re: Stuck 53 308

Great,

I can't wait to see the truck. Its going to be a fun time this weekend. With lots to see. Rumor has it with the other clubs coming there may be 300 cars to look at. Of course Hudson will be the best.