Melroe bobcat 444

[jdonovan]

Just picked up a 444 from the 2nd owner. It has a 2 cylinder Wisconsin. Unfortunately no compression in one of the cylinders. Tried cracking the head bolts but a couple of them need more force than I to give them right now. I have a feeling that the bolts will break. Since the motor will run, should I try getting it hot and then try loosen them? Wasn't sure if that would make it worst.

 

[billrbg]

Any clue why those screws won't loosen; is there a horrible amount of rust on this engine? I don't think engine heat will help much. If you can heat the screw heads up to a dull-red, that may help. You will need a welding torch for that, and the screws will be junk afterward. What size are these screws, how much torque are you applying before getting worried about breaking them?

 

[jerry]

Any clue why those screws won't loosen; is there a horrible amount of rust on this engine? I don't think engine heat will help much. If you can heat the screw heads up to a dull-red, that may help. You will need a welding torch for that, and the screws will be junk afterward. What size are these screws, how much torque are you applying before getting worried about breaking them?

Use a hand held impact driver like the ones used on motorcycle screws to shock them loose. If you are not familiar with them they are held in the hand and struck with a hammer and that provides rotation and shock. Usually are low cost.

 

[Tazza]

Use a hand held impact driver like the ones used on motorcycle screws to shock them loose. If you are not familiar with them they are held in the hand and struck with a hammer and that provides rotation and shock. Usually are low cost.

Hitting the head of the frozen bolt/screw with a hammer does help to shock them free too.

 

[jdonovan]

Hitting the head of the frozen bolt/screw with a hammer does help to shock them free too.

I was able to get the head off without breaking any bolts. The frozen ones, I ended up putting the socket wrench on it and hit the wrench a few times with a hammer to shock it. A valve was frozen open in the zero compression cylinder. It's freed up now. I'll do some cleaning while waiting for the new head gasket to get delivered.

 

[Tazza]

I was able to get the head off without breaking any bolts. The frozen ones, I ended up putting the socket wrench on it and hit the wrench a few times with a hammer to shock it. A valve was frozen open in the zero compression cylinder. It's freed up now. I'll do some cleaning while waiting for the new head gasket to get delivered.

Hopefully freeing the valve and a new gasket will bring it back to life.
Good time to at least use lapping paste on the valve seats, make sure they seat properly.