A smoothly running engine is a synchronized movement of various components. Even if one small component malfunctions, or functions out of sync, the engine may get heavily damaged over time. Usually when an engine seizes, the internal components freeze or lock up to such an extent that, the crankshaft is unable to turn in the bearings. This happens because the internal parts such as pistons, rod bearings, piston rings, etc., overheat and weld together. Such conditions may require you to change the entire engine, and this can be terribly expensive. Hence, it is very important for vehicle owners to recognize warning signs, and rectify the problem before it is too late.
Seized Engine Causes:
The most common cause for an engine to seize up is insufficient engine oil, which causes overheating, melting, and amalgamation of the engine parts.
Lack of engine oil also results in lowered lubrication, which results in damage of the bearings. Ordinarily, you will need to replace the engine in such a situation.
Accumulation of water inside the engine can cause it to seize, as water is not compressible like gasoline.
Accumulation of rust due to the car remaining unused for a long period of time can also cause the engine to seize up.
In rare cases, faulty components can fail or break and cause the engine to seize.
Early Warning Signs
Before the engine seizes, one can usually observe a number of signs which foretell the impending disaster.
Initially, one can hear faint tapping or knocking sounds coming from the running engine.
When an engine is close to seizing up, one may hear loud knocking sounds without any metallic pinging. This occurs when the piston rod hits the engine’s crankshaft, and is called a ‘dead knock’.
Poor engine performance, strange noises, and check oil lights on the dashboard, need to be addressed promptly to reduce the chance of engine seizures.
Seized Engine Symptoms:
The most prominent seized engine sign is complete engine failure, i.e., no matter how much you try, the engine will not start. Even though the car battery-operated devices such as the radio, lights, blower, etc., are functioning, the engine will not turn on.
On cranking, loud clunking sounds can be heard from a seized engine, due to the stater hitting the flywheel.
In some cases, one may even observe an internal component, such as a piston, piercing through the engine block, because the loose components will lodge into another part of the engine with enough force to break through.
Due to the inability of the starter to turn the motor, the wiring can overheat, leading to fumes and even a fire, a sure sign of a seized engine.
Testing:
Method 1: Put a socket and long ratchet on the front crankshaft bolt and try to turn the engine. If the engine does not turn, it is most probably seized.
Method 2: Remove the spark plugs and try to turn the engine.
Method 3: If the crankshaft is rotating properly, pour a little penetrating oil into the cylinders through the spark plug hole. If the oil goes in successfully, your engine might not have seized.
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