Engine is locked, Choices to make?

k_r_o_w · 01-26-2006, 08:11 PM

So the engine in my '99 limited went out today and by out I mean the starter went and found out that replacing it didn't do any good because the engine is locked up. Has anyone had this problem? Should I rebuild or sell? Are there any other options? Thanks for any insite and help.

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Localmotion · 01-26-2006, 08:27 PM

how did it lock up?

Yota4runner · 01-26-2006, 08:43 PM

I'm also interested in hearing how it locked up.

Yamaha+Toyota=Fun · 01-26-2006, 08:43 PM

Are you sure its siezed?

Elton · 01-26-2006, 09:06 PM

yes i want to know also

Nic · 01-26-2006, 10:05 PM

Was it running OK before the starter replacement? You sure the new starter and flywheel aren't binding?

Weasy2k · 01-26-2006, 11:13 PM

???? ditto to the above...is this a 5vz? Im assuming it is becuase its a limited....

MTL_4runner · 01-27-2006, 05:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by k_r_o_w

So the engine in my '99 limited went out today and by out I mean the starter went and found out that replacing it didn't do any good because the engine is locked up. Has anyone had this problem? Should I rebuild or sell? Are there any other options? Thanks for any insite and help.

We need a little more info to make any suggestions....
How did this happen? was it out of the blue? What did you test to know it was locked?
Will the engine rotate without plugs? ......any other info would help alot.

984RNR · 01-27-2006, 07:23 AM

Perhaps attempt to manually rotate the motor with a breaker bar or something. Also, take the plugs out and attempt to manually rotate. If it doesn't then it is probably seized

k_r_o_w · 01-27-2006, 12:16 PM

I'm not the most viechle savy individual so bear with me for the info I don't know, but left for work got about two hundred yards away and it died, no warning unusual sounds anything that morning or before. When it died I tried restarting it and it just made a horrible grinding sound. No clicking or sounds that it was trying to turn over so I left it till after work. After work took it to a shop to get a diagnostic test ran, got a read out that it needed a new starter. Told the shop to replace it and left. Got a call about 4 hours later saying the new starter wsa in but the engine was completely locked up. They couldn't get to turn over. The mechanic told me he thought it was from a lack of proper luberication (not getting the oil replaced regular) but I've always have had it within 3,000 miles or 3 months. I had just replaced the oil last week. They said it was full, so I don't know much more than this. Yes to the question of being 5vz. Any other thoughts things to try look into?

99lspwr · 01-27-2006, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by k_r_o_w

I'm not the most viechle savy individual so bear with me for the info I don't know, but left for work got about two hundred yards away and it died, no warning unusual sounds anything that morning or before. When it died I tried restarting it and it just made a horrible grinding sound. No clicking or sounds that it was trying to turn over so I left it till after work. After work took it to a shop to get a diagnostic test ran, got a read out that it needed a new starter. Told the shop to replace it and left. Got a call about 4 hours later saying the new starter wsa in but the engine was completely locked up. They couldn't get to turn over. The mechanic told me he thought it was from a lack of proper luberication (not getting the oil replaced regular) but I've always have had it within 3,000 miles or 3 months. I had just replaced the oil last week. They said it was full, so I don't know much more than this. Yes to the question of being 5vz. Any other thoughts things to try look into?

Yeah, try looking into a new mechanic...Somethings not adding up here dude,,..

MTL_4runner · 01-27-2006, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by k_r_o_w

I'm not the most viechle savy individual so bear with me for the info I don't know, but left for work got about two hundred yards away and it died, no warning unusual sounds anything that morning or before. When it died I tried restarting it and it just made a horrible grinding sound. No clicking or sounds that it was trying to turn over so I left it till after work. After work took it to a shop to get a diagnostic test ran, got a read out that it needed a new starter. Told the shop to replace it and left. Got a call about 4 hours later saying the new starter wsa in but the engine was completely locked up. They couldn't get to turn over. The mechanic told me he thought it was from a lack of proper luberication (not getting the oil replaced regular) but I've always have had it within 3,000 miles or 3 months. I had just replaced the oil last week. They said it was full, so I don't know much more than this. Yes to the question of being 5vz. Any other thoughts things to try look into?

First thing I would do is to take out all the plugs and remove all the ascessory belts (AC, PS, Alt) and put a socket on the crank and see if you can get it to turn over. If it doesn't then you have some serious engine problems somewhere (may still involve something simple like the timing belt, idler or similar but it will require some engine teardown to find). If it does, then figure out which of the ascessories was the problem (I assume you don't have a supercharger on there).

984RNR · 01-27-2006, 01:15 PM

one of the accerories could have seized maybe the alternator. Def do like MTL 4Runner said

progress4m · 01-27-2006, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by k_r_o_w

I'm not the most viechle savy individual so bear with me for the info I don't know, but left for work got about two hundred yards away and it died, no warning unusual sounds anything that morning or before. When it died I tried restarting it and it just made a horrible grinding sound. No clicking or sounds that it was trying to turn over so I left it till after work. After work took it to a shop to get a diagnostic test ran, got a read out that it needed a new starter. Told the shop to replace it and left. Got a call about 4 hours later saying the new starter wsa in but the engine was completely locked up. They couldn't get to turn over. The mechanic told me he thought it was from a lack of proper luberication (not getting the oil replaced regular) but I've always have had it within 3,000 miles or 3 months. I had just replaced the oil last week. They said it was full, so I don't know much more than this. Yes to the question of being 5vz. Any other thoughts things to try look into?

How many miles you have on it?
I personally never heard of engine sizing like that without any warnings, especially if it was maintained.

Tacoma Dude · 01-27-2006, 02:38 PM

I'm curious - did you do the oil change or did someone else?
This wouldn't be the first time I've heard of some in-a-minute jiffy place forgetting to put in oil after draining.

Localmotion · 01-27-2006, 02:41 PM

take it for a second opinion.

Firestone told me my coolant leak would cost me 900+

took it to a local import shop who specalizes in Japanese vehickes, they told me it was jsut a hose

VA import did the hose(requires to take the intake manifold off) and both my valve cover gaskets for 420.

Take MTLs advice also

Nic · 01-27-2006, 03:04 PM

The timing belt may have jumped a tooth or two. I had that happen in my 84 Camry one cold morning and it "locked" the engine up for the lack of a better word. I was pretty sure what happened after checking things over a bit and had the dealer put a new belt on (back when they were reasonable) and all was well. Just a thought. If you have serviced it regularly and always checked the oil, I don't think it is from lack of lubrication.

I'd take it to someone who knows what they are doing, because it sounds like they don't.

***midiwall*** · 01-27-2006, 03:54 PM

Okay, like other folks have said, follow Jamie's (MTL_) advice. If you don't understand what he's asking, then find a buddy to help. The process is straightforward, plus doing it yourself will gain ya' some knowledge PLUS give you first hand information on what the symptoms are. Then we can help you more.

But first... I have a question. You said...

Quote:

Originally Posted by k_r_o_w

...and it died. When it died I tried restarting it and it just made a horrible grinding sound. No clicking or sounds that it was trying to turn over so I left it till after work. After work took it to a shop...

So, let's recap. It died, it wouldn't restart, _THEN_ you got no "clicking or sounds that it was trying to turn over", and _THEN_ you "took it to a shop".

When you FIRST tried to restart it, it gave off grinding noises

Then, you tried later (???) and that changed to NO sound?

Then, did it finally start and you drove it or was it towed?

After the starter went in, do you get grinding noises or nothing?

Do your dash lights come on at all when you put the key in and turn it to the first click?

This is a limited, so it's an auto, right?

Depending on how you answer these questions.. I'm wondering if the grinding noises were from the starter on the flywheel; then with repeated restart attempts you blew the big fuse (that would lead to "no sound"). That's not to say that something else is wrong (and I'm sure it is, something killed it in the first place) but you want to be sure that you're not fighting multiple problems at once.

Mr. Bob · 01-27-2006, 04:47 PM

We had a customer in at work months ago now... engine would not start... sounded like the timing belt had broke ( turning over really fast ) It was a well serviced 1998 3.4L... and the timing belt had been done already... it had only 125 000 KMs on it too... was strange... pulled it all apart and the lest side cam had siezed.... When we phoned the engine shop they said sludging was a common problem with the 3.4L and they were starting to do lots of engines on them....

k_r_o_w · 01-28-2006, 08:07 AM

Just so you guys know I really appreciate all of the advice. I'm leaving in about an hour to tow to Arkansas to my parents where hopefully can figure some questions out.

It has a little under 158,000 miles on it and yes it is a limited and yes it is automatic. The oil change was done by "kwik kar" here in dallas.

To answer the questions on the recap. It died so I immediately tried to restart it when it gave the grinding sound. When I got back from work to check it out and didn't make any sound. The lights all worked. So my thought was the altenator so a buddy helped me pull it to a local shop (the firestone) place. There those guys tried starting it again where it made the grinding sound again. After the new stater went in I have not personally tried to start it, just took the word of the guys working on it. But this morning when we loaded it up and when I turned the key over to put into neutral all of the dash lights were coming on.

Once again thanks for the help.

**Yoda** · 01-28-2006, 09:45 AM

Might try removing the starter. I have seen an incorrect starter installed (wasn't a Toy, but could happen there too) that totally locked the flywheel.

Weasy2k · 01-28-2006, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by k_r_o_w

I turned the key over to put into neutral all of the dash lights were coming on.

Once again thanks for the help.

?? This didnt happen before?

Follow the lists made above and from there continue, i also agree witht he sludging problem as all toyota v6's had that problem when running regular oil.
It had to do with poor crankcase vent system.
I will upload some pictures of the difference between running synthetic and non-synthetic in these engines.

KyleT · 01-28-2006, 11:12 AM

ok, sorry to hijack, i run castrol syntec blend, will that cause the sludging also? im at 143k now, and have been runnin that for 10k since i bought it. im assuming the guy that had it before me ran dino oil, as it had a kwick kar sticker on teh windshield, and when i changed it. i dont want any problems right now.

Weasy2k · 01-28-2006, 11:24 AM

anything is better then regualr oil....

even preforming a engine flush will help

Its not a disaster but for some reason these v6's suffer from this problem vs any other toyota engine.

progress4m · 01-30-2006, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Weasy2k

Its not a disaster but for some reason these v6's suffer from this problem vs any other toyota engine.

Actually Toyota also had sludge problems on 4 cylinders Camry as well (From 1997 to 2002).

01-26-2006, 08:43 PM	#3 (permalink)
Yota4runner Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Peterborough Ontario Posts: 1,193	I'm also interested in hearing how it locked up. __________________ [-Chris-] 1988 X-Tra Cab 4x4. V6. Stripped to the frame. 1998 Chevy Chyenne Extended Cab, pretty much stock, except for a few cosmetics.

01-26-2006, 08:43 PM	#4 (permalink)
Yamaha+Toyota=Fun Contributing Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Bellingham, Washington and Ketchikan, Alaska Posts: 1,081	Are you sure its siezed? __________________ 92 pickup... sold 90 integra- b18b turbo, intercooled, 10 lbs of boost, 240 whp... blown up 79 2wd yota pickup

01-26-2006, 09:06 PM	#5 (permalink)
Elton Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Siletz,Oregon Posts: 10,647	yes i want to know also __________________ My Truck 98 4runner SR5 3.4L 5spd 4x4 E-Locker Mods Mom 07 Tundra d-cab limited 5.7L 4x4 auto sister 92 pickup SR5 X-cab 3.0L 5spd 4x4 Papa 89 Pickup SR5 X-cab 4x4 3.0L 5spd/98 4runner SR5 4x4 auto 3.4L R.I.P 91 4runner SR5 4x4 3.0L 5spd Totaled 5/13/06 My Wreck

01-26-2006, 10:05 PM	#6 (permalink)
Nic Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Decatur, Alabama Posts: 1,038	Was it running OK before the starter replacement? You sure the new starter and flywheel aren't binding? __________________ Nic 1997 Tacoma 4X4 Xtra Cab 2.7L 5 speed

01-26-2006, 11:13 PM	#7 (permalink)
Weasy2k Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 968	???? ditto to the above...is this a 5vz? Im assuming it is becuase its a limited.... __________________ -Johnny --------------------------------- '96 Taco V6 4WD Auto with 262 S2S Cams New 5VZ-FE & 3VZ-E Cams available 5vz-fe Stock CR FI Pistons NOW available! www.sea2skytuning.com Plug and Play EMS! Perfect Power, Hydra EMS, Arias, Pauter, Manley Performance Dealer....

01-26-2006, 08:27 PM	#2 (permalink)
Localmotion Banned Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 0	how did it lock up?

01-27-2006, 07:23 AM	#9 (permalink)
984RNR Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Kentucky Posts: 96	Perhaps attempt to manually rotate the motor with a breaker bar or something. Also, take the plugs out and attempt to manually rotate. If it doesn't then it is probably seized

01-27-2006, 12:16 PM	#10 (permalink)
k_r_o_w Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Rogers, AR Posts: 19	I'm not the most viechle savy individual so bear with me for the info I don't know, but left for work got about two hundred yards away and it died, no warning unusual sounds anything that morning or before. When it died I tried restarting it and it just made a horrible grinding sound. No clicking or sounds that it was trying to turn over so I left it till after work. After work took it to a shop to get a diagnostic test ran, got a read out that it needed a new starter. Told the shop to replace it and left. Got a call about 4 hours later saying the new starter wsa in but the engine was completely locked up. They couldn't get to turn over. The mechanic told me he thought it was from a lack of proper luberication (not getting the oil replaced regular) but I've always have had it within 3,000 miles or 3 months. I had just replaced the oil last week. They said it was full, so I don't know much more than this. Yes to the question of being 5vz. Any other thoughts things to try look into? __________________ '99 4Runner Limited Daystar 2.5" lift front, OME HD Coils in rear, Bilsteins HD Shocks (BE5-2450/BE5-2451), Roger Brown 1" Body Lift, MUSSA Grille Gaurd, lil' bro built rocker panels, 285 Maxxis Buckshots, some random stuff, And one heck of a Yakima Rack!!! http://team.randomshirts.com/a/89

01-27-2006, 01:15 PM	#13 (permalink)
984RNR Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Kentucky Posts: 96	one of the accerories could have seized maybe the alternator. Def do like MTL 4Runner said

01-27-2006, 02:38 PM	#15 (permalink)
Tacoma Dude Contributing Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 8,360	I'm curious - did you do the oil change or did someone else? This wouldn't be the first time I've heard of some in-a-minute jiffy place forgetting to put in oil after draining. __________________ Peter! 2002 Tacoma 1986 4Runner

01-27-2006, 02:41 PM	#16 (permalink)
Localmotion Banned Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 0	take it for a second opinion. Firestone told me my coolant leak would cost me 900+ took it to a local import shop who specalizes in Japanese vehickes, they told me it was jsut a hose VA import did the hose(requires to take the intake manifold off) and both my valve cover gaskets for 420. Take MTLs advice also

01-27-2006, 03:04 PM	#17 (permalink)
Nic Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Decatur, Alabama Posts: 1,038	The timing belt may have jumped a tooth or two. I had that happen in my 84 Camry one cold morning and it "locked" the engine up for the lack of a better word. I was pretty sure what happened after checking things over a bit and had the dealer put a new belt on (back when they were reasonable) and all was well. Just a thought. If you have serviced it regularly and always checked the oil, I don't think it is from lack of lubrication. I'd take it to someone who knows what they are doing, because it sounds like they don't. __________________ Nic 1997 Tacoma 4X4 Xtra Cab 2.7L 5 speed

01-27-2006, 04:47 PM	#19 (permalink)
Mr. Bob Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Vancouver BC Posts: 402	We had a customer in at work months ago now... engine would not start... sounded like the timing belt had broke ( turning over really fast ) It was a well serviced 1998 3.4L... and the timing belt had been done already... it had only 125 000 KMs on it too... was strange... pulled it all apart and the lest side cam had siezed.... When we phoned the engine shop they said sludging was a common problem with the 3.4L and they were starting to do lots of engines on them.... __________________ 97 Stellar Blue Pearl 4Runner, 3.4L 5 Speed, Elocker, OEM Lift, 285/75/R16 Cooper Discoverer STTs on FZJ-80 rims, TRD clutch, TRD Headers, Borla cat back exhaust, Deck plate and ISR mods. mods waiting for truck: FJ40 logo for satoshi mod "Amber" corner lenses Hilux Surf emblem

01-28-2006, 08:07 AM	#20 (permalink)
k_r_o_w Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Rogers, AR Posts: 19	Just so you guys know I really appreciate all of the advice. I'm leaving in about an hour to tow to Arkansas to my parents where hopefully can figure some questions out. It has a little under 158,000 miles on it and yes it is a limited and yes it is automatic. The oil change was done by "kwik kar" here in dallas. To answer the questions on the recap. It died so I immediately tried to restart it when it gave the grinding sound. When I got back from work to check it out and didn't make any sound. The lights all worked. So my thought was the altenator so a buddy helped me pull it to a local shop (the firestone) place. There those guys tried starting it again where it made the grinding sound again. After the new stater went in I have not personally tried to start it, just took the word of the guys working on it. But this morning when we loaded it up and when I turned the key over to put into neutral all of the dash lights were coming on. Once again thanks for the help. __________________ '99 4Runner Limited Daystar 2.5" lift front, OME HD Coils in rear, Bilsteins HD Shocks (BE5-2450/BE5-2451), Roger Brown 1" Body Lift, MUSSA Grille Gaurd, lil' bro built rocker panels, 285 Maxxis Buckshots, some random stuff, And one heck of a Yakima Rack!!! http://team.randomshirts.com/a/89

01-28-2006, 09:45 AM	#21 (permalink)
Yoda Super Moderator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: North Bend, WA Posts: 2,664	Might try removing the starter. I have seen an incorrect starter installed (wasn't a Toy, but could happen there too) that totally locked the flywheel. __________________ David TLCA 14788 71 Landcruiser FJ-40 TBI 327, TH-350, Warn 8000, disk axle swap. 76 Landcruiser FJ-40 project/parts (haven't decided)

01-28-2006, 11:12 AM	#23 (permalink)
KyleT Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Fort Worth, TEXAS Posts: 1,087	ok, sorry to hijack, i run castrol syntec blend, will that cause the sludging also? im at 143k now, and have been runnin that for 10k since i bought it. im assuming the guy that had it before me ran dino oil, as it had a kwick kar sticker on teh windshield, and when i changed it. i dont want any problems right now. __________________ - Kyle Former Owner of - 1996 Sunfire Red Metallic 4Runner Limited updated 10/31/06 OEM/TRD Lift Kit #1 from Sonoran Steel with 1 Top-out spacer - Lexus GX470 rims - 295/70r17 Nitto Terra Grapplers Yukon 4.88's, E-Locked Rear, Waiting to blow up front diff #2

01-28-2006, 11:24 AM	#24 (permalink)
Weasy2k Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 968	anything is better then regualr oil.... even preforming a engine flush will help Its not a disaster but for some reason these v6's suffer from this problem vs any other toyota engine. __________________ -Johnny --------------------------------- '96 Taco V6 4WD Auto with 262 S2S Cams New 5VZ-FE & 3VZ-E Cams available 5vz-fe Stock CR FI Pistons NOW available! www.sea2skytuning.com Plug and Play EMS! Perfect Power, Hydra EMS, Arias, Pauter, Manley Performance Dealer....

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