97 1500 I think engine is locked up what do you think

I have a 97 1500 with the 5.7L Vortec. I was on my way back from OK City pulling a car. I was on the way down a hill when the engine started making a noise like sticking a screwdriver in a fan. The sound would start then stop then start then stop then the noise started and the engine died. After that the starter would not turn the engine over. This was at 2am we had to wait until 12:00 the next day before somebody came and picked us up. I pulled the starter and it appears to work just fine. I kinda got a wrench on it and tried to turn the engine with my hand with a bar on the end of the wrench but I had no luck. Any sugestions?

I think you are stuck... Sorry.

What do you think I need to do? What would be the easier thing to do, Replace the engine or have this one fixed. What could have caused it?

hmmm it could be ether the trany or the motor. just because you can not spin it by hand does not mean its locked up. you must be sure of what part to start with.

if i was to bet. your going to be changing the motor. but to be sure block the truck so i will not roll. then try turning over the motor with the trany in neutral.

try turning over the motor with the trany in neutral.


Putting the trans. in neutral will do nothing if the front pump locked up.

Well today I took and while it was in park the starter would act like it was hitting but not turning the engine. While it was in netural it would not do anything. It is an automatic. What do you think is my next move?

Pull the engine and drop the pan, Start checking rod and main bearings.

Why not disconnect the torque converter from the engine before disassembling anything to see if engine is locked up or tranny is the problem??

Why not disconnect the torque converter from the engine before disassembling anything to see if engine is locked up or tranny is the problem??


If the engine won't turn you can't rotate the torque converter bolts down to the inspection cover opening for removal.

Once the engine and torque converter are removed together then the engine can be checked again and the oil pan removed for further inspection if needed.