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Major problem - engine seized?

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Car has been laid-up for a while - 6-8 months
Had not been started for the entire period
Car will not now turn over- battery ok. Tried towing it but as soon as i dump the clutch the engine won't turn - even using 4th gear. It looks as though its seized.
Does any one have any ideas?
 
Starter motor jammed? Put it in 3rd gear, hand brake off and try to rock it back and forwards.
Or even remove it and see if the motor turns then
 
Dont think starter is jammed. Towed car at 30mph in 3rd gear, let out clutch and wheels locked. This should have turned engine but did not. If this doesnt turn it over then I'm at a loss.
Ever heard of penetrating oil in the cylinders or diesel to free it off?
 
If the starter has jammed against the ring gear it will lock up the engine. even if you towed it it still would not turn

If the pistons have siezed then it will be an engine strip
 
How about whipping the plugs out and then trying to turn it over. If there is anything in combustion chambers that will free it and stop it hydraulicing.

I had same prob with an Alfasud which had got some water seepage in to heads and this got it turning over.

Cannot think it will have seized in 8 months particularly bearing in mind these engines ( not all ) tend to accumulate oil in the bore area.

Anything is worth a try that does not do further damage.

Best of luck

Andrew
 
After a sleepless night thinking the worst! £££££££ the issue has been resolved, but I still dont know the cause.
Charged battery overnight just in case it was a bit low. Tried it again but still no joy. Set up to remove starter, then plugs but prior to begining thought what would happen if I tried to turn the engine using the pulley wheel below the fan. Used 19mm spanner on center nut (would not turn in clockwise direction) turned back approx 1 turn relatively easily. Had my son turn ignition key and hey presto it fired first time.
Exhaust very smoky initially but calmed down after 5 mins.
Lesson - try starting / using car more frequently to prevent a reoccurance.
Any ideas on what it could have been?
 
Good to hear some good news!

To me it sounds like starter-jam, turning it backwards freed it up. But then I would have expected a bit of rocking it back and forwards would have freed it (which I think you had tried).

Sometimes they like to play hard to get - it's just warning you not to leave it unexercised for so long...
 
That sounds like a jammed starter motor, turning the crank back is the same as rocking it in gear, did you try that first?
 

ORIGINAL: jeffd

After a sleepless night thinking the worst! £££££££ the issue has been resolved, but I still dont know the cause.
Charged battery overnight just in case it was a bit low. Tried it again but still no joy. Set up to remove starter, then plugs but prior to begining thought what would happen if I tried to turn the engine using the pulley wheel below the fan. Used 19mm spanner on center nut (would not turn in clockwise direction) turned back approx 1 turn relatively easily. Had my son turn ignition key and hey presto it fired first time.
Exhaust very smoky initially but calmed down after 5 mins.
Lesson - try starting / using car more frequently to prevent a reoccurance.
Any ideas on what it could have been?
Click to expand...

It is ok just about to 'rock' the engine a little backwards but do not turn the engine in a deliberate anti-clockwise motion you run the risk of the timing chains jumping sprockets.
 
And the moral to this story is drive them as much as you can, that's what they were made for[:)] - glad to see all ended well
 
Many thanks for all the replies. By the way I did rock the car in gear and retried the starter a few times. Ive had the car now for about 15 years and it has not cost me a penny other than tyres, oil etc. This one had me worried and as you rightly say "use it or loose it". Its worrying that I could have caused more damage to the car by storing it in the garage over winter than using it. This is a lesson well and truely learned - -Thanks guys
 
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