So, I got hired with little notice over in the Seattle area (Everett), so I packed up all my stuff and I start tomorrow at 6:00 AM. I stayed at a friend's house in seattle last night... made the 150 mile trip here with no problems at all, started and drove around seattle no problems at all yesterday after I was here.

Went to turn it on today... and it sounds like the engine's seized. Any ideas?

It's getting electricity because it's trying to turn over... but it doesn't sound like the starter's moving, and the belts don't budge. Gas isn't the issue because it would still turn over, it just wouldn't catch. I just got an oil changed 2 days ago before the trip, oil's still full and clean, no burn smell... so I didn't blow a gasket and dump my oil... It sounds like it's trying to turn, but something's physically stopping it... either in the starter or the motor itself... But... how would that happen overnight while the car's parked?

So... any suggestions as to what that might be... or, if anyone happens to be in the Seattle/Everett area, any suggestions for where I can get it towed to that won't rip me off?

No fluids under the car, and it started perfectly until just then... so sudden catastrophic failure... while parked... over night?

I did notice my gas cap was lose, but I didn't see any residue from anyone dumping anything in, and I still have a full tank, so they didn't siphon it out. I assume I just left it loose when I filled up.... but that doesn't happen much. And the same car's parked next to me this morning as was there last night. So, if someone just randomly decided to pour sugar in my gas tank or something, I've heard that's bad, but I have no idea what it actually does... But I'd imagine it wouldn't stop it from cranking completely.

check starter

I'm hoping it's just that... well... I'm HOPING I have some magical problem with a battery that doesn't make any sense to me whatsoever... but would be less expensive somehow.

... but the cheapest thing I think is possible is the starter. What do you think it'd run for the starter/install? I'm an airplane mechanic, so I can install a starter on an airplane... cars are all jumbled up though. Not sure how much more complicated it'd be. On an airplane, it's a few bolts, a couple wires... 5 minute job.

... But I have horrible luck and I could imagine the engine itself being seized... but, can anyone think of a situation that would actually happen... after running fine one day, sitting over night, and not losing any oil?

i doubt your engine siezed, try boosting it, if that makes no diff. than try banging on starter while someone turns the key, you should be able to change the starter, it isn,t complicated, they go for about 100$ give or take.

"boosting" could mean a couple things. You suggesting a push start?

Or just giving it some extra gas as I turn it over? Because over the last week or so, I HAVE been having to give it a bit extra gas from time to time, but I was thinking that was a fuel problem as opposed to a starter problem. That'd make some sense though.

I think by "boosting" he meant using some jumper cables.

I think by "boosting" he meant using some jumper cables.
:werd: usually what people mean.
and yea. just try it. It may work for ya :biggrin:

even if u were out of gas the starter would still spin. i agree with the others. it sounds like the casing on the starter is damaged and not allowing it to spin freely

so it sounds like you're standing next to a large transformer when you turn the key? if that's what it sounds like its defiantly the starter... ether the solenoid is corroded and its not getting enough power or your battery is near dead...

the ONLY thing that could possibly have stopped the engine itself would be if by some miracle of bad luck your timing belt broke with the piston approaching TDC in the exhaust stroke right when you turned the car off... but that would really be a miracle of bad luck