I just acquired an original 1960 Sedan De Ville 4-door, 6 window, series 60 I believe. It has been sitting for a while 3-5 years and when I tried to crank it over, it didn't budge more than a couple of degrees and seemed to "lock." I have oiled the cylinders with Marvel Mystery Oil and plan to repeat this and try this weekend. If my fears are confirmed and I can't get it freed, which years and engines (390, 429, etc.) will drop in and bolt to the trans (2 speed)? Thank you in advance.
Turn the engine with a wrench to free the cylinders. Take all the spark plugs out and oil (you have done this, I believe), and keep the plugs out while you turn it by hand. Once it's freed up, put some fresh points on it, and it will likely fire right up!
Either the 390 or the 429 would fit but I would get a 59 or 60 engine to toss in, keeps the value up and the 390 and 429 are nothing to write home about anyway. I agree with Jay about the wrench bit / starting up. If not, consider having it rebuilt, most of those used Cadillac engine have about 5 million miles on them, people drove them into the ground. That car has a four speed tranny.
Thank you! Any other tips? I wasn't aware that the trans was a 4 speed, but it would make sense in a car that big. I only noticed "D" (Drive) and "L" (Low) on the shift indicator, but maybe I didn't look close enough, or it only shows those two ranges. I'm new to old Caddy's, I'm a Chevy guy. (Again, we did have one just like it back then, but I wasn't into the mechanics of cars then). Thanks for all the help!
I've heard that motor oil used in diesel engines can be used to free up stuck rings. The MMM is a very thin viscosity oil and is a good preservative for engines that sit for winter storage (I use it on my lawn equip in the winter and my snowblower in the summer.)
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