Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Hydrostatic Locked Engine

STANDARD PROCEDURE-HYDROSTATIC LOCK

CAUTION: DO NOT use the starter motor to rotate the crankshaft. Severe damage could occur.

When an engine is suspected of hydrostatic lock (regardless of what caused the problem), follow the steps below.
1. Disconnect the negative cable(s) from the battery.
2. Inspect air cleaner, induction system, and intake manifold to ensure system is dry and clear of foreign material.
3. Place a shop towel around the fuel injectors to catch any fluid that may possibly be under pressure in the cylinder head. Remove the fuel injectors.
4. With all injectors removed, rotate the crankshaft using the crankshaft barring tool (AN 7471-B).
5. Identify the fluid in the cylinders (coolant, fuel, oil, etc.).
6. Be sure all fluid has been removed from the cylinders.
7. Repair engine or components as necessary to prevent this problem from occurring again.
8. Squirt a small amount of engine oil into the cylinders to lubricate the walls. This will prevent damage on restart.
9. Install fuel injectors.
10. Drain engine oil. Remove and discard the oil filter.
11. Install the drain plug. Tighten the plug to 50 Nm (37 ft. lbs.) torque.
12. Install a new oil filter.
13. Fill engine crankcase with the specified amount and grade of oil.
14. Connect the negative cable(s) to the battery.
15. Start the engine and check for any leaks.