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1983 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
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brokenwrench
New User
Jun 1, 2013, 8:42 AM
Post #1 of 6
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1983 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
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Just inherited a 1983 Trans Am. Equipped with the Chevy 305, 4bbl carb, Hurst 5 speed manual transmission. Odometer shows 30M miles. Assume it's 130M miles. Has been sitting in Seattle for 5 years. Last started 4 years ago. Engine won"t turn over. Installed new battery. Hear loud click when when ignition is turned to start position. Alternator, power steering, etc all turn freely. Could not turn engine over by spinning wheels with rear tires raised off ground. Attempted to tow in 3rd and 4th gear, but tires began to slide. Pulled dipstick. Oil is relatively clean and shows no signs of moisture. Is there an anti-theft feature or something to prevent the engine from turning over or could the engine seized. Car has virtually no rust anywhere and the engine compartment is clean. Thanks for any help.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jun 1, 2013, 8:49 AM
Post #2 of 6
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Re: 1983 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
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I wouldn't expect you to be able to turn the engine over from the wheels. Put a socket on the crankshaft bolt and try it that way. If you still can't turn it, then you need to buy a boat because you just inherited a boat anchor.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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brokenwrench
New User
Jun 1, 2013, 8:54 AM
Post #3 of 6
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Re: 1983 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
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Haha. I hadn't thought about that. I'll give it a try. Thanks.
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
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Jun 1, 2013, 10:26 AM
Post #4 of 6
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Re: 1983 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
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Take all the spark plugs out before trying to turn the engine over. You might want to also remove the distributor and prime the oil pump before starting it. You also may need to put a couple of teaspoons of oil into the cylinders.
Don't try to turn the crank with the plugs installed. The small bolt that holds the balancer on isn't a great turning point and can be snapped off. Better to use a strap wrench around the crank pulley instead.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
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brokenwrench
New User
Jun 1, 2013, 1:22 PM
Post #5 of 6
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Re: 1983 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
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Excellent advice! Eliminate compression, protect distributor and cam shaft and ensure lubrication. I had an uncle who used kerosene to free frozen pistons. He said it would penetrate better than oil. Any thoughts on that? Thanks for your comments.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Jun 1, 2013, 1:58 PM
Post #6 of 6
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Re: 1983 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
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If it's really frozen you won't be freeing it up or driving it. The oil is to seal and lubricate the cylinder walls so it won't have to wait for the engine oil to do that once it starts and give it a little more compression when cranking. It may also prevent any light corrosion on the cylinder wall from damaging the rings.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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