Automotive four stroke engines which have seized can be recovered using Engine Release

Four stroke engines can seize during storage. The best treatment for a seized automotive four stroke engine is Engine Release.

These instructions are for ATVs, skidoos and motorcycles with four-stroke engines.

Regardless of the type of engine and vehicle you intend to work on we have specific instrcutions for your project on our site. Click the links on the left-hand menu to be directed.

ATVs, skidoos and motorcycles with four-stroke engines

This page provides instructions for using Engine Release to free seized four-stroke automotive engines. It works, OR YOUR MONEY BACK. Click here for more about our no-quibble return policy.

VERY IMPORTANT!

Once you have read these instructions, if technical support is required with your project please email us for advice, we will reply ASAP

If you have failed to free up your engine previously using Mystery Oil, vinegar, water, ATF, diesel fuel, WD40, or others, purchase a large plastic turkey baster and about 24" of clear plastic hose that will tightly push-fit over the end of the baster and still have a small enough outside diameter to pass through your spark plug holes.

It's important to remove all traces of other substances with your baster so they will not dilute the Engine Release when you inject it into your four stroke engines pistons.

It’s a good idea not to try and force more hose down the spark plug hole than is required to just touch the top of the piston, so you can be sure to get everything.

Pushing more hose into the cylinder than is required will just force the end of the hose to curl up in the air, defeating the purpose of this exercise. ATV repair manuals don't cover this!

ATVs, Skidoos and Motorcycles usually spend most of their lives not being used. Storage is where internal corrosion related damage takes place. Four stroke engines not wanting to turn after months of being laid-up aren't necessarily scrap!

3-4 ounces of Engine Release in each cylinder over a period of three or four days can get them turning again.

For best results when using Engine Release on inclined or V-style four stroke engines, it is important to get the engine cylinder bores vertical to the ground. Use either ramps or blocks to achieve this, because cylinders that are not vertical keep the Engine Release liquid from evenly flowing around the engine's piston and rings.

If there is a high side to the piston because it is inclined and not vertical to the ground, it stays dry and the seized piston will not release in the cylinder.

If blocking is not an option, use twice the recommended amount of Engine Release to flood the four stroke engines cylinders.

Warning: Read safety warnings on the Engine Release container before continuing. Click here to read the safety information online BEFORE using Engine Release to treat four stroke engines.

Engine release will damage paint finishes.

Preparing your engine for an Engine Release treatment

1. Make sure whatever you are working on is stable and well-supported, and that the parking brake is on!
2. Make sure transmission is in neutral
3. Shut off fuel supply

To free up your four-stroke engine, remove all the spark plugs. If corroded or seized, a few drops of Engine Release on the plugs' threads will make frozen plugs easy to remove. (Let it soak in for 15 to 20 minutes.)

Using your Engine Release injector bottle, inject 1oz of Engine Release into each cylinder once a day; three or four days of this should do it. Let it soak in for a week.

Cover the spark plug holes with rags to keep the Engine Release from blowing out of the holes when you crank your engine. WARNING: Keep your face away from this area when cranking.

Now remove your pull start if so equipped. If not, remove the cover over the engine cooling fan and put a socket on the nut that holds the fan on the crank. If you're working on a bike, open the primary chain case and go for the large nut on the crank shaft end, holding the primary drive gear. Do not use your electric start to break the engine free.

 

Now you can break the engine loose with either an air or electric powered impact wrench. Don't have one? Rent or borrow it if you have to; it's the best tool for the job!

Hammer blows from the impact wrench set up vibrations in the engine that with the help of Engine Release dislodge oxide crystals from one another, freeing up the engine. Short bursts of the impact (1 or 2 seconds duration) are all that you need.

Once the engine starts to turn, STOP! Also, if engine refuses to turn, STOP! The engine may need more Engine Release and time to free up.

If you don't have access to an impact wrench or don't want to use one, a socket and braker bar of your choice will do. (We do not recommend this.)

Inject what’s left of you Engine Release into your four-stroke engine's cylinders. Cover the spark plug holes again. You can now crank the engine using either your impact or battery start, or pull start if so equipped.

If everything seems to be nice and free, check your plugs for a good spark and re-install them. You can now consider test running your engine. Don't forget to turn on the fuel.

Once you have successfully run your engine for 5-10 minutes, you are now back in business!

Now is the time to give the exterior of your engine a wash with warm water and detergent to remove all traces of Engine Release. Engine Release will damage paint finishes and rubber. Now you are good to go!

Note: If you suspect your engine is not turning or that you may have valves that are sticking in their guides, if practical please refer to the four-stroke engines outboard motor section regarding valve train attention.