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Engine will not turn over

Posted: Sat Jan 07, 2017 1:13 pm
by SwedishPete
Swedish Pete here.
English but living in Sweden at present. No local garage to chat with.
Yesterday dawned -10C and when I started the car the oil warning light came on.
Switched off straight away and checked the level. I didn't expect a problem and the level was within the markers.
The oil on the stick looked normal so I assumed that the warning light was something to do with the low temperature.
Went out in my car instead and on return added new oil, slightly warmed to the Polo and started again. Success, no warning light and no unusual noises.
Within two minutes there was a strange clunk and the engine stalled. Tried to restart and the engine will not turn over. Battery light comes on but engine does not turn.

Any suggestions?
Does this sound electrical or mechanical?
Trivial or terminal?

Re: Engine will not turn over

Posted: Tue Jan 10, 2017 11:05 am
by Duffy
The fact that there was a mechanical noise and it stalled would suggest mechanical

If you can, pop the plugs out and try turning the engine over, either by accessing the bottom pulley or by putting it in gear and pushing the car with the engine in gear, thus will tell you if the engine is mechanically seized or not.

The oil light is for oil pressure, not oil level so you may well have a completely shagged engine on your hands (unfortunately)

:(

Re: Engine will not turn over

Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2017 2:14 pm
by 937carrera
I agree, remove the plugs and try to turn over by hand from the bottom pulley. (pushing given the snow & ice that'll still be around would be my second choice). Make sure the car is out of gear.

Might also be worth taking the timing belt cover off for a quick inspection as you turn the engine.

Lycka till :)