Mystified with car problem

[Nige F]

Probably a mad ( out the box ) suggestion - but understanding that cat equipped cars shouldn't be bumped. Is there a remote possibility of some electronic interlink that engages the starter ( but doesn't turn it ) so in effect locking the transmission/engine IF the bump start scenario - gear engaged/ignition on/starter switch not turned, ABS senses movement . Nah, I'll get me coat

 

[Keithmac]

Poor main earthing connection to the engine is worth a look.

Also testing the battery +ve supply to the starter motor AND ignition Start position suppy as well while trying to start.

A worn out ignition barrel electric pack can cause this issue (fails to supply enough current to the starter solenoid under load). They do wear out, just copper covered tracks on a plastic base.

I'd say either poor engine earthing or ignition barrel electric pack are the most likely culprits.

You could supply 12v directly to the starter solenoid to prove one if ignition barrel is faulty.. Make sure its in Neutral!.

Bumping car off would be a 3rd or 4th gear job, as said before 1st and second will just stop it dead.

 

[honda]

Many thanks for all replies and suggestions but I think I found the answer. Today I removed the spark plugs and tried turning the engine with a spanner but no joy it wouldn't turn. Thinking I wasn't maybe getting enough leverage on the crankshaft pulley nut I then tried turning it with a socket on a 3ft torque wrench. Despite nearly busting a gut it still won't turn, it's siezed solid. Can't understand how breakdown got it going or how it managed to get my son home or why it siezed up immediately he got home. Any thoughts on this John and would a 3ft bar suffice to turn the engine ?

 

[Burnerman]

Ye gods this is getting worse
So, something has locked up and the next step is to find out whether it's the engine or the transmission.
See if there is a difference with the clutch pedal depressed.....can you turn the engine now?
For sure, I can't even guess how the car got home, never mind managing to start again!
When you had the starter out, was there any debris in the bell housing?
I have had a transmission lock up before, that came free from time to time, but once an engine has locked up then that's it......high revving two strokes excepted!
Fascinated by this one!
John

 

[Keithmac]

I can turn my 3l v6 engine over with a half inch rachet (30cm long handle).

You should easily be able to turn yours over with the torque wrench.

I'd take starter motor back off and have a look around with an endoscope (cheap borescopes can be had off ebay).

Very odd fault!.

 

[DaveHerns]

I give up on this one

 

[Burnerman]

Deserves our best efforts, this one....this part of the forum has been quiet for too long!
Even a diesel can be turned by hand with a normal spanner, if you go slow enough.
Hazarding a guess - the clutch has given up, partially disintegrated, bits of which has jammed the flywheel against the bell housing.
Any takers?
John

 

[honda]

Also tried turning the engine with the clutch pedal depressed yesterday John but no joy.

 

[Nige F]

Ye gods this is getting worse
, but once an engine has locked up then that's it......high revving two strokes excepted!
Fascinated by this one!
John

Me too John. But I can vouch that an old Morris Minor can be driven with no water until it starts to seize , leave to cool, then carry on until the next seizure - it'll get you home (5miles ) eventually

 

[Nige F]

Next step must be the borescope as suggested by Keithmac

 

[Burnerman]

Got to be something jammed between the ring gear and the bell housing - surely? Try turning the motor backwards to see if it frees?
John

 

[honda]

Due to the freezing weather have left it alone for a few days so no enlightenment to report except tried turning engine backwards and guess what ? Won't turn ! Have now sent of for a borescope so if no joy after that I'm stumped.

 

[Burnerman]

You've done all you can.....it's probably not such a good idea to turn the backwards too violently anyway, due to the timing belt tensioner.
So.....if the engine has seized (which I doubt), piston seizures are due to overheating and are usually temporary, although a scored bore is likely. Crankshaft or other shell bearing items seize due to lubrication failure.
I'm wondering if there has been a clutch or release bearing issue which has jammed things.....I had a clutch diaphragm finger come adrift on a D reg XR2 once - although nothing locked up it did carve a lot of alloy from the bell housing
The only problems I've had with this K series are stripping of the head bolts and the usual head gasket failure.
I'm sure you'll keep us informed - I'm stuck inside for days due to this weather so nothing happening here....cut off for 3 days now
John

 

[honda]

Cheers John. I too am doubtful about the engine being seized as my son as I said drove home after the first occurence with no problems,but who knows?
I too am now leaning towards an issue within the bell housing so hoping I can see a problem with this borescope thingermajig (spelling ?) Anyway John keep warm.

 

[Jax teller]

Take the alternator belt off and try turning engine.

I had an identical problem with a customers car, turns out his alternator had seized/jammed inside and therefore wouldnt turn engine as the belt was connecting the crank to the seized alternator.