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For full features; Go to 95 Escort - engine seized - can't find problem
My car is a '95 Escort LX Wagon, automatic trans, 130k . It's been running
fine for several years until this.
What happened :
I drove for a half hour to a business, came out and it wouldn't start.
•I tried to start it/crank it five times.
•2nd crank: I got that putt-putt-putt sound of one plug/cyl. not firing
•4th crank: moderately loud sound of tock-tock-tock, same speed of engine
turning over, like something hitting hard plastic, but not exactly a
metallic sound.
I actually thought it was something on the outside of the engine.
•5th crank: just the click sound you get when the battery hasn't enough
juice.
What I've tried :
•I know my battery is weak so I replaced it, also had a jump from a
friend's car - still just get the click sound.
•Thinking about the tock-tock-tock sound, I put a socket on the end of the
engine where you can manually turn the engine over. I couldn't turn it over
clockwise or counterclockwise - with plugs taken out.
•Removed the starter, thinking it might be jammed. Still can't hand crank
it over.
•Removed the timing belt to determine whether it's a top or bottom end
engine problem. The camshaft turns over easily with all the valve
assemblies appearing to operate normally. Still can't turn crankshaft over
manually.
•Removed the oil pan. The crankshaft, rods, rod caps, pistons, and
cylinders all appear normal.
What I'm thinking :
•Oil pump might be jammed.
•Bolt might have come out of the torque converter and jammed,
•Valve or valve seat might be broken and somehow jammed the engine.
---- But then - it seems like you'd be able to turn the engine either
forwards or backwards, at least in one direction.
QUESTIONS
1. Can anyone think of anything else, or a way to approach it ?
2. How am I going to check for a valve/valve seat problem w/o taking the
head off, when the engine won't turn over.
.
Kbarb
