hydraulic locks
I'm a bit confused with hydraulic locks, I can understand how you can get a lock in the bottom cylinder and how you clear it by pulling the engine through, and the oil is dissipated as the valves open.
But what happens if the engine stops with the lowest cylinder on the compression stroke? All the valves will be closed so when you turn the engine over next time, surely you will pushing the piston into the accumulated oil, which has nowhere to go - hence the lock.
Do you then feel the resistance through the prop and whip a plug out to allow the oil to drain free?
An explanation of how it works in practical terms would be appreciated.