Siezed Engine

patrickswem · #1 08-28-2005, 08:21 PM

So how can I tell if my engine is seized? I have a 4.3 that stalled out about three weeks ago, and wouldn't start back up. It seemed like the starter or solenoid because it would only seldom try to turn over. I put in a new battery with the same results, so I changed the starter and solenoid just yesterday (took a while to get the money), and to my surprise, the starter is still just clicking like it was. I though it may have been the battery as I had tried starting it before replacing the starter without it starting so there could have been a possible battery drain. So I picked up a battery charger and voltimeter. I charged the battery with the (Black and Decker) charger for a while, then being impatient, I disconnected the charger and tested the battery with a result of 14V. That is definately enough to start a vehicle, so I gave it a try. No luck, still just clicking. So is it the engine or is there something else that I can try? I have heard people talk about the ignition switch, but I don't know where it is or how to go about changing it, let alone if it has any part to play in this problem.

Please help, I am supposed to be giving my car to my nephew soon, but I need to be sure I have a vehicle running before that happens, and I have no money to go buy another vehicle.

metallica21156 · #2 08-28-2005, 09:53 PM

try putting a socket on the main engine pulley and see if you can turn it. also check your oil. if u have metal shavings then you might have.

JC327 · #3 08-28-2005, 10:25 PM

Make sure that the battery and starter cables are in good shape, with no corrosion. Corrosion and damaged connections can play tricks on you - the vehicle can get power and everything seems to be okay, but the starter can't get enough amperage to turn over the engine.

patrickswem · #4 08-29-2005, 07:05 AM

I will try the socket trick tonight when I get home, I will also charge the battery more, I guess. I have checked the connections, they are all clean.

Officer Redneck · #5 08-29-2005, 08:27 AM

Before you try to turn the engine over manually, disconect the positive battery cable!!! We don't want you injuring yourself.

muzzy1maniac · #6 08-29-2005, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redneck tech

Before you try to turn the engine over manually, disconect the positive battery cable!!! We don't want you injuring yourself.

Good tip! We like our buds to have as many body parts after a reapair as they did before!!!

BlazerLT · #7 08-29-2005, 02:47 PM

Also, just because you have 14volts doesn't mean you have the right amount of current to turn the engine over.

You have low vaoltage and need to gain a little more patience and properly charge your battery.

patrickswem · #8 08-29-2005, 02:52 PM

Lol, yeah, I figured that might be a problem. As I said, I plan on throwing the charger back on when I get home. I was checking at 14 because I thouht that was enough to start the vehicle, and not to mention if my truck wasn't running, I would be driving extra this morning and staying late at work so my brother could use my car to get to work. Luckily, his interview is tomorrow so I have another night to try some things.

patrickswem · #9 08-30-2005, 10:20 AM

Well, I had a lot to do last night in the house, so all I ended up doing was getting the battery fully charged (according to the battery charger), and read /\14v on the voltimeter (it's as high as this particular model goes). I tried starting, but still only got a click. Didn't get a chance to try turning the pulley, I will try that tonight hopefully.

BlazerLT · #10 08-30-2005, 11:37 AM

I would check your starter before you say the engine is seized.

patrickswem · #11 08-30-2005, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlazerLT

I would check your starter before you say the engine is seized.

Yeah, already done that. New starter, new solenoid, connections are tight, and when I bought it, I made them test it before I took it home. So I am quite sure the starter isn't the problem.

BlazerLT · #12 08-30-2005, 12:11 PM

I just can't see the engine being seized.

patrickswem · #13 08-30-2005, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlazerLT

I just can't see the engine being seized.

Don't get me wrong, I really don't see a reason why it would be. But I can't really think of anything else it could be. I mean, as I first stated at the beginning of the thread, I don't know much about the ignition switch or if that would have anything to do with the problem, or how to test it.

BlazerLT · #14 08-30-2005, 11:13 PM

The click means something is not moving or is jammed in the starter.

Again, check your wiring going to and from the starter.

patrickswem · #15 08-31-2005, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlazerLT

The click means something is not moving or is jammed in the starter.

Again, check your wiring going to and from the starter.

Alright. Tried starting it when I got home from work, tried to turn over but then stopped, and again back to the clicking. Took it all back apart leaving the starter on, and had my brother try starting it while I watched the starter. The gear came out but didn't spin. So I dropped the starter, took some spare wire and hooked up a ground to my car's battery, and then hooked a wire to the solenoid and then touched it to the positive post. As with the truck, the starter gear came down but didn't spin. I am assuming this is the problem, so I am taking the starter back to Autozone after I eat some dinner. I'll check back here before I leave, just in case someone sees this post and tells me it isn't the starter. Thanks everyone.

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