Diesel – engine seized?

[Whodunit]

Hi,
I am hoping for a sense check….

I recently bought a Merc CLK 320 Diesel Auto non-running as a project to repair.

When I got it, all of the glow plugs had been removed, so I assumed that someone had done a compression test.

Anyway, the first thing I decided to do was see if the engine turns over by hand. My theory was that with the glow plugs removed) so therefore, no compression to overcome and the gearbox in neutral, I should have been able to turn the engine over by hand using a socket and long lever. However, could not turn it, so am assuming the engine is seized…

Does this seem to be a correct assumption or am I missing something?
Thanks for any comments on the above!

Btw, engine had oil in it, radiator has water, so if it has seized, any theories on what might have caused it?
Thanks!

 

[silver_star]

Is it possible the engine has ingested water?

 

[s88]

suspect there is quite a bit of initial resistance to overcome.

How long a lever?

 

[Black c320]

Is the cam chain intact and in correct sequence.

 

[Whodunit]

Hi,

Thanks for the replies so far!

My first thought was about water ingestion but the air filter and all inlet pipes were clear of water. Thought about dropping the pipes off of the intercooler, to double check though.
I used a 2 foot bar as a lever, thought this would be plenty of leverage to turn the engine over with no compression to content with (glow plugs removed)
I have looked at the timing chain through the oil filler area only. Looked ok but I would need to have a better look at both sides of the engine to verify...

I don't suppose there is any back history. Presumably these engines don't normally fail so early (mine has done 38k) and if they do there isn't a 'usual suspect' ie oil or water pump problems?

Thanks

 

[Dichtung]

Half a glow plug betwen piston and cyl. head at TDC ?

 

[martyz]

Try removing starter motor and aux drive belt and try again,get as much load off engine
as possible.

 

[230K]

Hi

I assume you tried turning it both ways??

230K

 

[Dieselman]

A 2 foot bar is more than enough to turn one of these over, I can do it just with a regular ratchet handle.

I would take the cam covers off for a look before going too far.

Are you sure it's the engine is locked, not the torque converter.

 

[Dieselman]

Try removing starter motor and aux drive belt and try again,get as much load off engine
as possible.

Removing the starter motor won't do anything as it's not engaged.

 

[martyz]

Removing the starter motor won't do anything as it's not engaged.

agree,it shouldn't be,but have had issues where the pinion wheel has jammed in
to the teeth on the flywheel,given not Mercedes though.

 

[Whodunit]

Hi,
Thanks for all of the advice! Just as an update:
Did try turning the engine both directions by hand a definately won't move... Also dropped the starter motor off, long shot but worth a go, however, didn't help. All glow plugs out, so not 1/2 a glow plug that has snapped into the bore etc.
Next steps are to remove cam covers for a look-see. Also think the torque converter is a good point so will keep that on the list as a possible.

Can anyone recommend a top notch workshop manual for this car?

Thanks again

 

[Whodunit]

Hi guys,
Managed to track down the previous owner and the engine did indeed ingest water. Therefore, looks like a new engine is required...

Just out of interest, seen lots of places advertising used engines for sale. Miraculously all listed as low mileage and good condition. Any ideas on how to make sure it is a good one and if advertised as low miles how to prove? They have often been removed from the car. I would like to buy from someone reputable and get a genuinely good engine...

Cheers for any thoughts / comments on the above and any advice about a good guide that might help me with the engine removal / refit process!

 

[donubenz]

Maybe your own one is not so bad? Any used engine is always a bit of a lottery.Must be worth a strip down to see what is wrong with yours.
Or try someone like this, no commercial interest or knowledge of their work.
Crewe Engines
Good luck Don