How diffucult should it be to turn an engine by hand?
 

:) Starting a father/son project with a car he found locally ('93 Caprice w/305 170k mi.). There is no oil in it due to obvious leaks and the owner claimed it is siezed but no mention of trying to turn it by hand. I've never done this; so, before I use a cheater bar and start cracking sockets, what is recommended? The plugs, starter and belt are removed. Thanks!

squirt a bit of oil into each cylinder, the motor should turn over pretty easy with all the plugs and stuff off. facing front of engine, it should rotate clockwise.

Sorry-disagree with you.Engines that have been seized should have oil in cylinders and let set for say 24hrs.Then attempt to turn them on the opposite direction-counter clock wise.Less of a chance of further damaging the engine.

It would be almost impossible for all the oil to leak out of a engine, there would have to be SUPER GIANT puddles under it. The underside of the car would be wet all the way back to the bumper and on the bumper. It most likely burned it. It should be very easy to turn over without plugs in it, it would take almost no effort. If it did seize there will be almost zero chance of freeing it, I do not care how much oil put in the cylinders or how long it sits. If by some chance you do get it to turn all the bearings will be shot.

Time two from here.Well if you did get it to free up,that rod/main bearing knock would confirm it for sure.:rolleyes::D:D

Thank you very much!!!!