Is the easiest way to find out if a 1986 bertone X1/9's engine is seized or not by turning on the starter with a battery installed? Or would it be better to access the timing pulley and put a wrench to it to turn it, assuming the spark plug wires and coil are unplugged?

Turn it over with a sockets in the pulley and the plugs disconnected

acereghino said:

Is the easiest way to find out if a 1986 bertone X1/9's engine is seized or not by turning on the starter with a battery installed? Or would it be better to access the timing pulley and put a wrench to it to turn it, assuming the spark plug wires and coil are unplugged?

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If you suspect the engine is seized do not try to turn it over on the starter. Doing so can cause damage.

Ideally remove the spark plugs so there is no compression and try to turn the crankshaft pulley.

Don't try turning the camshaft.
If you can't access the crank pulley, put the car in gear an try pushing it (with plugs out). Make sure the brakes are not seized on by pushing the car out of gear first.


Robert G8RPI.

Robert,

Your answer about how to safely tell if X1/9 engine is seized was very helpful.

Thank you!

Sincerely,

Al