2003 impala 3800 engine seized

[henway]

Got news from the shop yesterday that the engine is gone on my 2003 impala . The extended warranty has expired so I'm pretty much sssscrewed . I check the fluids every time I fuel up and take very good care of my vehicles . I was wondering if anyone else has heard of this kind of problem with the 3800 series engines in the 2003 impalas , and if so , what causes it . I'm about ready to go jump off a bridge over this ...........

[Iflylow]

Don't jump! It may not be as bad as it sounds!
What made you bring it to the shop in the first place?
The 3800 is a very common engine, so you should be able to find one rebuilt or new for a decent price.

[henway]

Thanks for the reply . The reason I had it flatbedded was because it stalled and wouldn't restart . It's hard to say exactly what happened up to that point because my wife was driving it . I did hear a knocking sound as she was pulling out about 1 hour before I got the call that she had stalled . The mechanic had the plugs out to check them and tried turning the crank with a breaker bar and it wouldn't budge . That's why I'm thinking it's seized . But how can it seize with no warning and all the fluids OK ?? My wife said there were no engine lights prior to this , just fterwards when she went to start it back up . I got one estimate so far for a used engine with 65,000 for $2700 installed and a 90 day warranty . Can anyone tell me if this is reasonable ? Thanks .

[INF3RN0666]

let me tell you that the quote you got is rediculous. There's engines out there with the same mileage for $600-1200. Installation is only $400-800. So, at most, $2000 for a used engine installed. That's just my opinion. I had a buddy who got lucky and had an engine/tranny combo installed for $1000. I'm so jealous as I need the same in the near future.

[tractorboy]

You should be able to get a brand new Jasper engine for around $3000, installed and warranty, years not months. If you heard it knocking it may have been out of oil or low.