i found an 87 gxl that was driven until last year the owner claims someone was jealous and poured sugar or syrup in his gas, and the motor locked up. he hasn't touched it since and i was wondering if it could be easily fixed,i had experiences with a 58 corvette someone put sugar in its tank and we soaked it in tranny fluid, changed all the fuel lines ,filters and pumps and have had no problems so far. but any insight would be helpful i tried to search the forum but couldn't find any definite answers to what i had in mind. thanks guys.-RR

 

i would change all of the above mentions, also remove all mani's to be cleaned, pour MMO or sea foam though engine while turning backwards, try to free up the seals and see if she move in the correct direction.? reasemble

 

we had something like that happen at the dealership, with an rx8. she must not have used much sugar, because all we had to do was drain the tank, and flush the fuel system...



if the motor's locked, oil it, and try to turn it backwards. other than that theres nothing unique about the rotary in this situation

 

manis= manifolds correct? im not one of the texting type so abbreviations get me lost, and MMO? whats that?, a similar product to sea foam? and in turning the motor should i use a prybar and turn the flywheel or try to move the e -shaft from the front? i am a little inexperienced but that what this board is here for right? i appreciate your responses.remember keep your powder dry and watch your topknot.-RR

 

Sugar and sugar based materials are not soluable in motor fuel. There may be some water or an alcohol and water mixture that may suspend the sugar as a liquid. In such a case it would pass through the system as would just water. In a filter that takes out water droplets (as in fuel injected cars) the filter would load up with the mixture.



As far as damage to the running engine, it is unlikely. A filter change (or several filter changes) should get the show on the road again. Disconnect the fuel supply at the TB or carb to be sure fuel is being delivered.



So, the stuck engine most likely has a different malady. Engines left unused rust shut to some extent as all of the lube oil drains off, the seals rust to the irons. The apex seals at the ends as well. I would use auto trans fluid first, through the intake and trailing plug holes. Let it sit a few days, and try to break it loose by rocking the crank nose back and fourth. If its a manual trans put it in 4th and roll the car back and forth. If that does not work, a gentle push with another vehicle (with the proposed fixer upper still in 4th All electrics off. It will break free or the tires will slide. If the tires slide the engine needs to come apart.



Lynn E. Hanover

 

thank you all... now i have got some work to do this weekend! i think i'll try the tranny fluid trick and see if i can get the motor lose then consider purchasing it...hope for the best, expect the worst-RR

 

dam that sucks, i heard a friend say that sugar messed up an engine i just nevr thought it was true, we clowned him by telling him "whats the car going to get, high blood pressure?" lol good luck man