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Engine/tranny troubleshooting...

  • Thread starter Thread starter 65shlbycln
  • Start date Start date Dec 14, 2003
6

65shlbycln

Founding Member
Aug 24, 2002
1,266
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0
Atlanta
Dec 14, 2003
#1
  • Dec 14, 2003
  • #1
We tried starting the engine again yesterday, to no avail. But i have a question. Lets say that there is nothing wrong with the engine itself. Could there be something in the tranny or starter that is causing the engine to seize up?

We put a mark on the pulley where the engine seized up after trying to start it. then we turned the engine over by hand a little bit using a ratchet. When starting it again with the starter, it turned a few times over then seized up in almost the same spot again. We took out the spark plugs so it wouldnt start. Sometimes, when you try turn the ignition key, the engine turns over fine for 5-10 seconds without problem. But other times, when you try to turn it over, it will turn for about a second or two, and it will seize up and the starter grinds...


...anybody have any ideas?
 

allcarfan

The Answer Man
Founding Member
Apr 8, 2001
2,458
1
56
North Atlanta
Dec 14, 2003
#2
  • Dec 14, 2003
  • #2
have you had any pther problems?


how are your head gaskets?
 

68GEETEE

5 Year Member
Nov 21, 2003
481
5
38
Texas, USA
Dec 14, 2003
#3
  • Dec 14, 2003
  • #3
has the timing chain been replaced lately? It sounds like it may be off a tooth.
 
6

65shlbycln

Founding Member
Aug 24, 2002
1,266
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0
Atlanta
Dec 14, 2003
#4
  • Dec 14, 2003
  • #4
the head gaskets are new.

if the timing chain is off a tooth, will it cause it to turn over sometimes, and not turn other times?

its the original chain. never been changed.
 
6

65shlbycln

Founding Member
Aug 24, 2002
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Atlanta
Dec 14, 2003
#5
  • Dec 14, 2003
  • #5
someone suggested that the ring gear might be a problem... any thoughts on that?
 

pabear89

Active Member
Apr 15, 2003
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High in the Hills of So Ca with the Voices in My H
Dec 15, 2003
#6
  • Dec 15, 2003
  • #6
65shlbycln said:
someone suggested that the ring gear might be a problem... any thoughts on that?
Click to expand...

Here's a long shot, A Buddys Nova 350/4sp had sort of the same problem.
And what was eventully found was the clutch disc had broken into small pieces and a chunk had gotten ludged into a tooth on the flywheel.
Darn thing would start to turn and stop.
Try removing the starter and turn the motor by hand and check the flyweel teeth.

PB
 

BigDaddyCee

Founding Member
Jan 1, 2000
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Canada
Dec 15, 2003
#7
  • Dec 15, 2003
  • #7
pabear89 said:
Here's a long shot, A Buddys Nova 350/4sp had sort of the same problem.
And what was eventully found was the clutch disc had broken into small pieces and a chunk had gotten ludged into a tooth on the flywheel.
Darn thing would start to turn and stop.
Try removing the starter and turn the motor by hand and check the flyweel teeth.

PB
Click to expand...
I had a buddy who had a 1978 ford truck/standard tranny with a similar issue. He had a tooth missing on his flywheel, when ever the starter landed on that tooth we had to get out and nudge the truck forward to move it to the next tooth so the starter could grab. Then it would start and we would be on our way. A little back yardish but he wasn't ready to change his flywheel yet. I would also check to make sure your starter is tight and the drive teeth on it are all ok. HTH and good luck.
 
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