Seized K series (Lotus related)

[ceejam]

Got a strange one on a Rover 25, and wondering if anyone has experienced a complete seizure before?

The starter gave up the ghost a week or so ago, was changed and now the engine completely solid - the clutch feels like it works, took the starter out and flywheel looks like it is still in place.

But with a socket and breaker bar on the bottom pulley it is absolutely solid.

Feels like the crankshaft is welded to the block, there is oil in the sump and was running fine apparently (getting it all 3rd hand though)

Just thought I'd ask in case anyone knows of something obvious?

[robin]

Assuming it is really in neutral (can you push the car back and forth)?

Something is properly broken inside the engine - either valve to piston contact due to timing belt failure (gets my vote) or snapped rod jammed against block somewhere or snapped crank (doesn't usually wedge the engine though).

Try rotating engine backwards.

If the engine will turn backwards remove cam cover and see if the cams are rotating when the engine is.

The other possibility is that one or more bores are full of fluid but usually you would expect to be able to turn the engine over slowly as the fluid escapes the piston rings into the sump.

Remove spark plugs and dip stick and check for swarf.

With plugs out if engine turns over (and ejects fluid from the plug bore) then the engine was hydraulic'd - probable liner or HG failure.

Cheers,
Robin

[robin]

P.S. You can bend valves using a breaker bar on the crank pulley if the pistons are touching them, so go easy - with the plugs removed there is no compression and you should need only small force to turn engine.

[ceejam]

The timing belt is fine.

It doesn't seem head/valve related as the crank is solid - no bounce in the timing belt, or free play in either direction.

It was towed down the road in neutral, and I think it was put in gear and rolled with the clutch pedal depressed.

[robin]

A knowledgeable enthusiast suggested that it might be a seized alternator or ac compressor - cutting or removing the auxillary belt might get it going.

Cheers,
Robin

[ceejam]

Well we pulled the alternator belt off, and the alternator spins freely

Also opened the cam cover and both cams rock back and forward against the timing belt, but the bottom pulley is solid.

Looking awfully like a spun main bearing - the new owner of the car likes to rev the tits off it so guessing oil starvation while cornering at a squillion rpm

Cheers for the input folks