one of my neighbor's has a manual 2006 shinka that has been sitting for a while (couple years I think, don't know for sure). when I asked him if he wanted to sell it he said yeah, but the engine is "locked up". how common is this, what could cause it, and what would it take to fix? I know there isn't going to be any definite answers, but just want some ideas. also what would be a decent price to pay and what are these worth running (about 90k to 100k miles)? thanks in advance.

 

locked up as in wont rotate? iirc its a 19mm on the e-shaft pully, put a deep socket on it and try to spin it with a breaker bar. 90-100k on a body depends on condition. new/reman motors have increased in price and are a little harder to get atm

 

Honestly no idea, guy doesn't seem like he knows a ton about cars, I might go see if I can turn it by hand at some point. hell, for all I know it could just have a bad starter or something. Doubtful of course but still. the body seems like its in decent condition, of course dirty from sitting under a tree. If the engine was really locked up would it still possibly be rebuildable? Is it possible/likely that its something wrong with the trans or rear diff.?

 

Depending on what condition the car was in, how it was locked up, and left for X years. The rotors and seals could likely have rusted together and you'll end up with no compression+ wont want to turn. I ran into a similar situation when I was looking for a roller body. We had let the engine soak with marvel mystery oil for a day. We put it in through the spark plug holes and lower intake.

It by no means was easy to turn over. Upon opening up the rotors were fully pitted and most of the seals were rusted to the rotors. I would say to be cautious of creating more damage, but at 100k miles the engine is likely ready to be replaced anyways.

 

I make sure I start and leave my 2005 Shinka running at least once a week and for about 10 minutes.

 

That's a great way to carbon everything up. Get a trickle charger for battery and leave it well alone until you need to drive it again.

 

Disconnect the battery.... will solve most problems with the battery. Trickle chargers are hit and miss.... some will overcharge and kill the battery... and some are good.

Easy to charge ut every 3-4 months when disconnected... and it will be good