Please,
I have a Gardner 3LW that has lain outside for a long, long time. I have the head off OK, but I cannot get the block to come up off the crankcase. I suspect that at least one piston is seized solidly in its liner. The engine will not turn at all.
Using wedges I have managed to get the block up about 22mm all round.
Yes, I have poured diesel into the combustion chambers and left it there for over a week.
Here's my idea: I will make a plate that will bolt unto the top of the block. Over the centre of each cylinder, I will drill a hole down through this plate. Over this hole I will weld a nut. Through the nut I will thread a set screw. This screw will pass down until it meets the top of the piston. As it tightens down it will force the block off.
I will do this simultaneously for each cylinder. Obviously I will put plates on top of each piston so as to spread the load and I will force each piston down simultaneously.
I do not care about damaging the liners, or the the pistons. All these will be renewed, but I do care about the crankcase and the crankshaft.
Is this a good idea ? Are there dangers in it ? Any other suggestions.
I make more wedges and continue, but I am worried about breaking bits off the block casting. Besides, it is painfully slow.
Thanks a lot.