How to Fix a Seized Engine: Unlocking a Locked Engine

A seized engine is the last thing to happen to any car owner. It may be scary if your engine seizes, but knowing how to fix a seized engine will save you money and time. In this guide, we are going to explain why an engine seizes, how to diagnose engine seizure, and give an overview of how to fix a locked up engine and the steps you can take to unlock your engine and get your car running again.

What Causes an Engine to Seize?

Understanding Engine Seizure

Engine seizure is a condition in which the internal components of the engine are seized and cannot be turned by the crankshaft. It is brought about by a variety of reasons, and it is essential that the reasons are identified to make the proper steps for diagnostics and locked up engine fix.

Common Reasons for an Engine Lock

• Not Enough Oil: There is insufficient lubrication that may bring about excessive friction between moving components, overheating, and seizing.
• Overheating: Parts warp and lock. Engine overheating is usually the reason behind it.
• Corrosion: Corrosion and rust can form in the engine, especially if the car wasn’t used for an extended period or was used in adverse conditions with water ingress into the engine.
• Hydrolock: Water freezes up the pistons from moving once it gets inside the engine cylinders, causing engine seizure.

Signs Your Engine is Seized

Recognition of the seized engine at an early stage can prevent additional damage. Some of the symptoms are:

• The engine won’t crank as you turn the key.
• Clicking sound as you attempt to start the engine.
• Smoke within the engine compartment.
• Abnormal smells, such as the smell of burned oil.

In case you observe any of the mentioned symptoms, it is important that you know how to fix locked up engine yourself. Or, you can just bring your car to a trusted service company.

How Can You Fix a Seized Engine?

Steps to Unseize an Engine

If you think that the engine is seized, do the following as a means of locked up engine fix:

1. Check Oil Level: Check if the oil is low and, if so, top it up with the right grade of oil.
2. Removing Spark Plugs: This will release the pressure in the cylinders and enable you to turn the engine over by hand.
3. Use Lubricant: Apply penetrating oil or mix oil with diesel fuel to loosen jammed parts.
4. Turn Over the Engine By Hand: Put a socket wrench on the crankshaft pulley and try to turn the engine over manually. If you can turn the engine over, then you may have loosened it.
5. Reassemble and Try to Start: After applying the lubricant and letting it sit for some time, reassemble the parts and try to start the engine.

Tools Needed to Fix a Stuck Engine

Some everyday tools can be used in an effort to unlock a stuck engine:

• Socket wrench set
• Penetrating oil (like WD-40 or PB Blaster)
• Refill oil
• Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips)
• Pliers
• Clean rags
• A funnel to pour the oil
• A torque wrench (to utilize while reassembling)

Keeping them at hand will make the whole process faster and easier.

When to Call a Mechanic for Help

While the above can be attempted by most automobile owners, it is well worth learning when to call in a mechanic. It is advisable to do it if:

• The engine will not turn after your own attempt at loosening it.
• There is evidence of extensive damage, i.e., squashed parts or metal shavings in oil.
• You feel uncomfortable or unsure when performing any of the steps outlined on your own.

In these cases, a mechanic can provide a thorough diagnosis and recommend whether repair or replacement is the best course of action.

What to Do If Your Engine is Locked Up?

Assessing the Damage to Your Engine

Once you’ve determined that your engine is indeed locked, the next step is to assess the damage. This involves:

• Inspecting the oil for metal shavings or debris.
• Inspection for external damage on the engine block or parts.
• Compression test to check if the cylinders are affected.
• In case of extreme damage, this will help you identify whether you should fix or replace the engine.

Options for a Locked Engine: Repair or Replacement?

In the case of a lock, engine repair or replacement is usually needed. You have these two options in the following cases:

• Repair: If there is minor damage, engine repair is feasible. It is generally carried out by repairing the broken parts, washing the engine, and lubricating it thoroughly.
• Replacement: If the damage is heavy, then it can be more efficient and economical as well to replace the engine with a new one.

Take into account the age of your car, the price of repairs, and your future plans concerning the vehicle when you make a decision.

How to Tow a Vehicle with a Seized Engine

If your engine is seized and you need to move your car, towing is the best solution for this. This is how you should do it:

• Use a flatbed tow truck: This is the best method to avoid causing further damage to your car. 
• Ensure the car is securely attached to the tow truck in a way that there will be no movement during towing.
• Do Not Drag: Don’t drag a vehicle with a seized engine since it may cause more damage to the transmission and other components.

Can You Unseize an Engine by Yourself?

DIY Techniques to Fix a Seized Engine

Some car enthusiasts boast of being able to fix a seizure themselves. If you decide to fix the problem yourself, the following procedures are recommended:

• Soaking: Allow penetrating oil to soak in the cylinders overnight or for several hours to free the frozen components.
• Heat Application: Soft heat application to the engine block will heat and free the stuck parts. Use a heat gun or propane torch, taking care not to burn anything or pose a fire hazard.

Using Engine Oil and Other Lubricants

Instead of penetrating oil, you can use:

• Engine Oil: Adding engine oil directly into cylinders will lubricate and release the stuck parts.
• ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid): ATF is utilized by some mechanics due to its extremely lubricating nature and the cleansing effect when it contacts with rust.

Disassembling the Engine: When is it Necessary?

In case the engine cannot be unseized, you may have to disassemble it. It is a more complicated process and should be undertaken if:

• The engine suffers heavy internal damage.
• You wish to examine the inner parts for wear.
• You are very skilled at engine repair.

Taking the whole engine apart includes dismantling the cylinder head, the oil pan, and everything else to expose the inner parts of the engine.

Is It Worth Fixing a Seized Engine?

Cost of Repair vs. Buying a New Engine

To repair a seized engine or not depends largely upon the cost. It may be very expensive depending on the extent of the damage. The cost of repair may amount to several thousand dollars. Take it in account when comparing it with a new or rebuilt engine which can prove more economical in the long term.

Factors to Consider Before Selling Your Car

If you decide against repairing your engine, consider:

• The overall condition of the car.
• The market value of your car in its present condition.
• Potential repair costs versus selling it as-is.

Rebuilding vs. Replacing: What’s Best for Your Situation?

It might be worth rebuilding the engine if you just love your car or if your car is highly valuable. If your car is an old one or has a high mileage level, it might be more reasonable to replace the engine.

Conclusion

It is important that a car owner should be capable of fixing a seized engine. Knowing what happened and when you have to seek assistance, you will make the necessary decisions which will save your money and time.

If your vehicle has a seized engine, give us a call today! Our professional technicians are here at your service to diagnose and repair your vehicle within a flash! Don’t be left stranded on the road with a dead engine – call us for expert help and we’ll have you on the road in no time!