has my engine seized?

Post by **ally** » 07 Feb 2007, 16:05

I've changed the starter motor for a brand new one.
I've tried charging the battery, i've wired the battery straight to the starter motor (it spun a half turn then stopped) and i've tried jump starting but im still only gettin a click when i turn the key as the starter throws out...

Why isnt it spinning?

Arggggghhhhhhh

Post by **toomanytoys** » 07 Feb 2007, 17:12

Put it in 2nd or 3rd gear and let the handbrake off, rock backwards or foorwards to see if the engine is turning..

Or you can generaly turn the pulley by hand, or stick a big spanner on it..

as for starter, did it get tested off the vehicle? could just be the pinion bush in the bellhousing that is picking up..

Post by **ally** » 08 Feb 2007, 12:34

sorry how do i see if the engine is turning?

the pulley is the wheel that drives the alternator right?

I tested the old starter motor off the engine, it threw out but didnt spin. Thats why i thought it was the starter - i didnt test the new one before i fitted it. what do you mean "picking up" and whats a "pinion bush" my knowledge is a little limited.

When the new one was fitted after it didnt work i wired it straight to the battery, it spun once but only like half a slow turn then nothing again - took the battery off recharged it and still nothing...

Post by **toomanytoys** » 08 Feb 2007, 17:27

Yes, look in the engine bay and watch to see if the pully is turning. but it wont be seized if it was running fine when it was last used (when was it last used?)

The starter pinion bearing is in the belhousing, the starter has to sit in that but if it was really stiff, the starter wouldnt bolt up very easily.

Is the battery actually ok? should read 12.5V minumum, more like 12.7 for a good one.. (several hours after it came off charge)

Worth checking the earth strap from gearbox to chassis is ok too.. its on the "nose" of the box, ie the bit pointing towards the front where the front mount is.

Post by **ally** » 08 Feb 2007, 17:46

battery was reading 13V..its brand new and an expensive one!..it wont jump start anyway so that means its not the battery anywayÃ‚Â¬

ok the cogged wheel that the starter turns is the starter pinion yeh?

The car was starting ok, just one morning when it snowed it wouldnt start and it just kept turning over and over until the starter stopped turning. Ever since then nothing but a click sound.

Someone else mentioned it might be the earth strap...

its a subaru conversion i have b.t.w. All has been working fine up until now.

Post by **Tex Ritter** » 08 Feb 2007, 17:51

Tried 'bump' starting it?

Post by **ally** » 08 Feb 2007, 21:37

not yet, little diffucult when its covered in snow, someone suggested there might be a pressure lock or something...ill try that next.

Post by **trickydicky** » 09 Feb 2007, 17:40

Petrol or diesal ? If it is petrol try after marking the positions! removeing the spark plugs and spinning the engine by hand. Make sure it is out of gear! and try and rotate it by turning the pully ( it wont be easy ).
Also if it is a camper conversion have you charged the right battery? Look under both seats in case you have two. My experiance tells me they don't just sieze, I once had a diesal landrover that ran with a snapped crank!!

Post by **Plasticman** » 09 Feb 2007, 18:45

Thought they all run like they got snapped cranks!!
Mike

Post by **HarryMann** » 09 Feb 2007, 18:59

For clarity, he's said this a Subaru conversion I think... there lies a key?

This will be a KEP flywheel and a Syncro type starter motor or an uprated VW one methinks... did he get the right starter motor?

Does that engine spin over OK... that is the FIRST answer we need back, is it hydralically locked or not?

Get a spanner on that main crank pulley, ignition OFF and see if it will turn over and report back please.. then can go from there!

Post by **ally** » 10 Feb 2007, 14:15

yes subaru conversion...adapter plate with VW bellhousing.

I got the same starter as i had before (which was working), cant really change it now as i've grinded down the new one to get it on. Like i said before the old one just spun and spun till it stopped...now the new one just clicks...and sounds like it cant turn.

Yes i only have one battery, tested the voltage charged it etc.

Engine spin, so ok ill get a spanner on the main crank pulley and report back....

Post by **HarryMann** » 10 Feb 2007, 16:34

I thought Subes needed a slightly uprated starter motor.. from reading KEP's stuff, I'll look again then.

Post by **ally** » 12 Feb 2007, 09:08

it was always hard to start cold - maybe an uprated one would be better? I just shelled out £100 for this one now tho!

Post by **HarryMann** » 12 Feb 2007, 11:25

I forgotten the details, I tried to check for you on KEP's website but it was down... RJES conversions of course use the Subaru flywheel and starter motor, but he will probably know.

it was always hard to start cold -

Through poor cranking or poor setup?

Post by **toomanytoys** » 12 Feb 2007, 11:32

It would have been good that you told us that it was a Subaru conversion fromt he start... then we wouldnt have assumed it was a WBX
the Subaru brings its own set of rules...

Could be all sorts of issues.. could be a clearance issue, either with the flywheel or starter... or a power supply problem..