96 850 GLT Should I be able to turn over a hydro-locked

jimmy joe · Post by **jimmy joe** » 29 Dec 2013, 13:43

I am trying to diagnose a starter that hits hard with the solonoid yet fails to crank the engine. I discovered the intake is full of gas, which I assume means the engine cylinders are as well?

I put the socket on the crankshaft bolt and it sure turns over with enough force, not too much, is it possible the starter could not crank the engine at all when I can?

Post by **mikealder** » 29 Dec 2013, 13:54

Take the spark plugs out and try it again on the starter, if it is hydro-locked the fluid will get blown out of the holes where the plugs should be, if this is the case look in to how the car is over fuelling to the extent it can fill up the engine, it probably also needs an oil change if this is the case - Mike

jimmy joe · Post by **jimmy joe** » 29 Dec 2013, 14:13

I understand the process but it seems a bit dangerous, any tips on how to avoid a fire? Gas is already everywhere...

Post by **rspi** » 29 Dec 2013, 15:41

LOL, when you pull the spark plugs, you should NOT get spark. You can disconnect the coil.

instarx · Post by **instarx** » 29 Dec 2013, 21:43

Whoa, stop. Do NOT do what was recommended above. You are right to be concerned about it being dangerous. Disconnecting the coil will not make this safe. Don't forget that the alternator is turning while you are cranking (not to mention the starter) and both are electric and potential ignition sources. Although you can can blow coolant out of a hydro-locked engine this way, gasoline is a whole other thing.

Get as much of the gas as you can out of the cylinders first with a length of plastic tubing on the end of a hand pump or turkey baster. If you have compressed air gently blow the remainder out before cranking the engine.

Post by **jblackburn** » 30 Dec 2013, 07:33

+1 on the turkey baster.

Post by **jimmy57** » 30 Dec 2013, 07:59

You need to first identify where all the gasoline came from. If you have a stuck open or control unit commanded open injector then the fuel goes back in as soon as you attempt to dry it out?

DO you know why it is so severely flooded?

Post by **erikv11** » 30 Dec 2013, 08:13

He had another post too - the fuel pump relay was replaced by a paper clip and it flooded. So maybe an injector is stuck open too.

jimmy joe · Post by **jimmy joe** » 30 Dec 2013, 16:26

No, I have no idea where all the fuel came from, I assumed it was from leaving the paper clip shorting the fuel pump relay too long, I did do that for 10 minutes.

Yes, the engine was gas hydro-locked! Especially one cylinder, the one all the way on the passenger side. I wonder if that injector is suspect or if the fuel just comes in first that way.

I could turn the engine over by hand but the starter wouldn't budge, she spins now but still no fuel pressure at the rail, even with the paper clip.

I am going to throw a couple gallons in just in case this is that simple now, unless you folks have any other ideas?

Thanks!