Mechanic says my engine is locked on a 2006 Chrysler, should i get a second opinion?

Question 1
Mechanic says my engine is locked on a 2006 Chrysler, should i get a second opinion?...  My car makes a clicking sound, the battery will die after a few tries is the engine locked. The mechanic wants me to let him rebuild the engine.... Should I let someone else check it out?
And if it is locked can it be unlocked without rebuilding the engine or purchasing a new one???

Answers
1)   Yes. Have it checked out by a different mechanic. - Hank Scorpio

2)   Sure. Almost anybody with any mechanical knowledge at all can tell if the engine is locked up. Take out the spark plugs and try to turn it. Just in case it is a hydrolock with water in a cylinder you remove the plugs so it can turn. - woofy

3)   Have you been getting your oil changes done? Or have you been driving through flooded streets? - done wrenching

4)   I would try what was said above.
Also, how you explained it, you might want to check your battery if it dies after a few tries to start the engine. A bad battery cannot power the starter enough to turn the engine and would only make the clicking noise you mentioned.

Sometimes it's the simplest thing that could be the problem. - Car Fox

5)   Absolutely YES to getting another opinion! Any time you have a doubt, or for an expensive repair, always a good idea to get a second opinion.

Does it click several times, or just one click?
If it's one click, it possibly could be the engine locked up, though it certainly isn't a definite.
Several clicks and it's most likely a dead battery, loose cable, or excessive corrosion on the battery posts. If it's a dead battery, it could also need a new alternator if it wasn't charging the battery, but this can be easily diagnosed by a professional.

Chances are, if it's locked up, it can't be unlocked without major repairs. You could check into getting a used engine if you need to save money, if not, I would suggest getting a re-manufactured engine rather than having it rebuilt, unless you have a lot of references from the guy who is doing the rebuild. I've seen way too many rebuilds that have gone wrong or had lots of problems, especially from "mechanics" who do work at their house. - Mark B

6)   I scanned the above answers and didn't notice anyone saying anything about a bad starter.

It's possible a bad starter or starter solenoid will display the same symptoms, a click or two and the draw on the battery is so great it will cause it to temporarily discharge especially if the terminals or posts are corroded.

Just today, 9/13, we pulled the starter off a Cummins powered motor coach that made a 200 mile round trip Saturday, Sunday morning the driver could not get the bus to turn over. We tried to start with a jump box and all we got were smoking cables. Upon removing the starter and bench testing, we discovered the solenoid was hanging and had a rough, noisy rotation when we did get it to engage, conclusion bad solenoid.

Definitely get a second opinion! - Don't know everything !


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Question 2
how to change water pump on a 4 cylinder 96 plymouth voyager?...  need to know how to change water pump of my plymouth voyager its a 96 and motor is a 4.

Answers
1)   This is the 2.4L dual cam 4 cyl. The water pump is spun by the timing belt. Get a manual and follow the instructions to change the timing belt and pump. Plan on taking several hours. - C-Tech

2)   Ummm I kind of agree and disagree with C-tech. the 96 Voyager came in one of 3 four cylinder engines, 2.2.L 2.5L or , 2.5L turbo, I think the 2.6L was discontinued in the late 80's or around 91.
And the water pump is driven externally, Just look under the alternator and you will see it. So remove the alt, remove the bracket then unbolt the whole pump/pump housing assy, then unbolt the housing from the pump. Clean the surface where the o-ring seals the housing to the block, Run a bead of silicone on the cleaned housing to pump surface, bolt together (dont glob on the glue) Install the housing to the block with a new o-ring, and finish the assy.And to even make sure you have a 2.2 or 2.5 right where the thermostat goes, the head has a housing cast on the head there is a galley plug. Slightly tighten then remove the plug, pour in the coolant ( in the radiator)water mix (50-50) install plug then run engine, what for fan to kick in, then wait for fan to shut off, set your level in the reservoir and BAMM your done.
And where I do agree with C is when MBZ owned Chrysler and had the 2.4 installed, somewhere in the 00, but I dont know, I quite Chrysler in 99
And if its a 2.6 get a mechanic to do it - rick b

3)   Rick is usually spot on but he kiinda missed the boat on this one. The only 4 cyl available in a 96 Voyager was the 2.4L. There were 3 V-6 options but only one 4 cyl.

As C-tech said it is driven by the timing belt so I would recommend replacing the belt and tensioner while you are there. ALLDATA shows a labor time of 3.8 hours. Here's the procedure.
NOTE: If you've never set up a timing belt before find a helper who has or hire a mechanic. If done wrong you can destroy your valves.

Raise and support vehicle and remove right inner splash shield.
Remove accessory drive belts and power steering pump.
Drain cooling system.
Support engine from bottom and remove right engine mount.
Remove power steering pump bracket attaching bolts and set pump and bracket assembly aside. Power steering lines do not need to be disconnected.
Remove right engine mount bracket.
Remove timing belt.
Remove inner timing belt cover.
Remove water pump attaching bolts and the water pump.
Reverse procedure to install, noting the following:
Install new O-ring gasket in water pump body O-ring groove.
Tighten bolts to specification.
Fill cooling system.

Best of Luck!!! - Fukkin Suspended


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Question 3
how to unlock my 2006 chrysler sebring touring engine?...  Ok I was sold a car that we were told that the engine was locked so at the moment we have taken old spark plugs out then put oil in the cylinders then we put new spark plugs in except for one that the oil didn't go down the cylinder in. So now we are waiting for the oil to go down that one but we still couldn't turn the engine and it was sitting for two weeks or more. Now we are waiting again to try when the oil foes down the cylinder. Anyone can help in this situation?? I really need help tjis is my first car and I need to know what needs to be done.

Answers
1)   If an engine is seized, it needs an overhaul and not some oil in the cylinders. Why did you buy a lemon for your first car? - AUS HSV

2)   If it's just seized from rust, try a 50-50 mix of acetone and transmission fluid instead of oil. If it's rust causing it to be seized, it will free the piston up. I've never seen one driven after doing this, so cannot vouch for how long the engine will last if it starts up after.

Of course, it's more likely that it is seized from something like overheating or lack of oil, in which case the rings are probably welded to the block and there's nothing to be done to save the engine.

I hope you got it cheap enough to justify the expense of buying a used engine to install in it, it's most likely going to need it. - Mark B

3)   You need a rebuilt engine, you did figure on that when you bought it right. - rich


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Question 4
i have a 1967 plymouth valiant and need help?...  i have a 1967 plymouth valiant and i would like to know any sites or places that would give me info on parts for this car, and i am really looking for a fiberglass cowl hood for it but all i can find are ones for a 1969. would it still fit good? and some engine info. i want a v8.

Answers
1)   The hoods themselves should be the same. If you're looking for engines, try eBay, craigslist, or autotrader for a start. - D

2)   well you need to find some parts sounds like to me, personally, there is a online magazine called hemmings motor news, type www.hemmings.com this is where I would go first, if looking for the parts for what you have, I am not familiar with the mopars as much as I used to be, however I know a little bit about a lot of things, If you want the baddest mopar in town, that will still give you some kind of mpg, then stick a 340 with a 4 speed, I had a charger for awhile, it had a built 440 with the police interceptor headers, and the race cam, and this four barrel that was HUGE, LIKE SOME OVER SIZED DINNER PLATE. any how my friend called me up one day, and she want to give me a test ride in her new car, she showed up in a dodge dart gt (which I never heard of, until that day) and she SCARED THE PISS OUT ME, when she went through all four gears with the tires still smoking, that car was so fast it was scary, and at least she got gas mileage, my 440 got five miles per gallon around town. hers had a four barrel, but the 340 comes with a dual quad set up too!!!
I don't know what your money situation is, but hemmings motor news is where I would go first, You can order the online version, for a small fee, or get the hard copy mailed, but start digging around, they have many , many links to every kind of car part imaginable. If you want to make a nice 67 get it in your head finding the really good stuff, is not always cheap, and there are people who will try to sell junk, so be aware of what you want, and do all the research necessary to get the right parts, best of luck, have fun. - dick car guy

3)   The 69 hood will fit but not line up with the 67 and 68 grille. Check moparts for parts. I have a 67 also, I really do, and I am going to restore it because it's the rare "E" eng code 273 car. - done wrenching


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Question 5
Antifreeze will not drain when i open the drain valve on my 2001 sebring 2.7L?...  i have a 2001 chrysler sebring 2.7L V6 and i need to change my thermostat, so i need to drain the cooling system, and when i open the drain valve at the bottom, nothing happens.

i tried opening it up with the engine HOT, thought the pressure would force it to drain, but no luck.

what should i do?
i tried draining it with the coolant cap off first, still no luck. and if i was to try to change the thermostat without draining the system, i would get antifreeze everywhere.

can i do anything to drain it normally?

Answers
1)   The drain valve is probably clogged, just take the hole thing out and clean it. - MarJoe

2)   Did you remove the radiator cap first?? Have to let some air into the radiator to replace the coolant going out.... - rick29148

3)   change the thermostat anyway.. you'll only leak a little coolant on the floor, or just drain it out of the lower radiator hose - Dave87gn


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