A seized engine occurs when internal components lock up, preventing the engine from turning over.
Common causes include inadequate lubrication (low oil), water intrusion, rust from long inactivity, and catastrophic part failures such as broken piston rings or gaskets.
Unfortunately repair options are limited for seized engines, most mechanics recommend full engine replacement or a complete rebuild, as patch repairs are often more expensive and less reliable.
Metro Car Removal offers an alternative: if your engine is seized and repair costs exceed your vehicle’s value, we will purchase your car as‑is for top cash and arrange free towing anywhere in Sydney.
What Is a Seized Engine?
When an engine seizes, its internal parts—pistons, bearings, crankshaft—lock together. The result: the starter motor can’t turn the engine over, though electrical accessories may still function. A seized engine is different from a dead battery: with a dead battery, nothing powers on; with a seized engine, electronics work but the engine won’t crank.
Signs Your Engine Is Seizing
| Symptom | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Loud cranking or clunking noises | Starter gear grinding against locked flywheel |
| Visible pistons or internal parts | Components dislodged by force of seizure |
| Smoke, fumes, or fire | Friction-generated heat ignites oil or debris |
| No response when turning key | Complete mechanical lock prevents rotation |
Causes of Engine Seizure
1. Inadequate Lubrication
- Low oil level allows metal‑on‑metal contact, overheats components, and damages bearings.
- Oil starvation often follows missed oil changes or leaks.
2. Water Intrusion
- Hydraulic lock occurs when water enters cylinders; water cannot compress, so pistons lock.
3. Rust and Corrosion
- Long storage without running lets moisture build up, rusting internal surfaces and locking parts together.
4. Component Failures
- Broken piston rings or rods, failed head gaskets, or snapped timing belts can jam moving parts.
Repair vs. Replacement
- Cost of repair (rebuilding damaged parts) can exceed $3,000–$5,000 AUD, depending on labor and parts.
- Engine replacement often runs $2,500–$4,000 AUD for a used or remanufactured engine, plus installation.
- Rebuild: machining and replacing all wear items—pistons, rings, bearings—can be viable if the vehicle’s value justifies it.
Mechanics typically recommend replacement over repair when seizure damage is extensive, as full rebuilds require extensive labor and still carry risk of residual wear.
Metro Car Removal
If your engine is seized and repairs aren’t economical consider selling your cash for cash!
- Free Towing
No need for registration, roadworthy certificates, or running condition, we tow for free from anywhere in Sydney. - Instant Cash Offer
We evaluate your vehicle’s make, model, and condition and present a top‑dollar quote on the spot. - Hassle‑Free Paperwork
We handle ownership transfer and paperwork, so you don’t have to.
How Metro Car Removal Works
- Call Metro Car Removal on 0422 600 833 for an immediate quote.
- Schedule a convenient pickup time, often same‑day service is available.
- Receive payment on the spot; we handle the rest, including environmentally responsible dismantling and recycling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can a seized engine ever be fixed?
A: Minor seizures (localized damage) might be repairable, but most full seizures require engine replacement or complete rebuild, which is often cost‑prohibitive on older vehicles.
Q: How much does it cost to replace a seized engine?
A: Expect to pay approximately AUD $2,500–4,000 for a used or remanufactured engine plus labor, depending on your vehicle’s make and model.
Q: What happens after Metro Car Removal buys my seized car?
A: We tow it to our facility, salvage reusable parts, recycle the shell, and dispose of hazardous fluids responsibly—minimizing environmental impact.