New Swindon Member with a problem

[RallyeSportLee]

Hi guys, I bought my first vit Friday evening, Bumped into a few of you yesterday (Sat) at Barbury Castle just on the out skirts of Swindon...I was driving the black vitara, Had a nice little run with you guys, even pulled one of you out lol...Anyway that evening I was back out in the vit and was out in this by way in Baydon, got into abit of a problem, 2 of the wheels jumped out of the ruts and i thought i stalled the car...Then it wouldn't turn over, checked everything, starter motor was just clicking, gash it a bash...still nothing, my friend checked the oil, he said it was only just showing on the dipstick....About a few hours later we got towed out by a friend and tried to bump it but still nothing....So now we are thinking oil starvion and the engine is seized? But I had no knocks from the bottom end, no oil light on dash, check engine or nothing....Engine temp was fine? One of my friends said there is a pin on the starter motor that sometimes locks and you can't turn it over? If the engine is a goner....What sorta price am i gonna be paying for a 1.6 8v lump? Anyone know anyone local to swindon with an engine for sale? Cheers Lee

Here's a pic of my vit who we call ''Tash'' for obvious reasons in the snow yesterday

[ferris]

to the club.

Have you tried turning the engine over by hand? Taking the starter out and see if it works when its not on the engine? I'm no mechanic but thats where i would start.

1.6 8v engines can be quite hard to find because all us SJ owners have been snapping them up .

[RallyeSportLee]

not yet mate....Car is stuck out in baydon and in Swindon :(

[Jordi]

As ferris says turn it over by hand check if starter works out of the engine. If there was no loud bangs or smoke or the sound of metal meeting metal it doesnt sound like you've killed it.

Sounds like a dodgy starter if its just clicking. Get underneath and see if anythings been ripped off check all wiring. It may be a bad earth on the starter if its been in snow / water.

I just bagged a bargain 8v for £60. Every single other quote, maybe 5 or 6 was over £250.

Jordi

[Darrell]

Welcome to the club.
As you had no warning light or Knocking I would like to think the engine has not seized. However I have no idea what may be causing this. Hope it's nothing too serious.
I'm sure your get more response when everybody's stopped playing in the snow (I did that yesterday )

Avatar if you want it...

[ScottieJ]

to the site matey! Good to meet you yesterday and cheers for the tow

As the others have said once you get it home I'd whip the starter out and try turning the engine over, 17mm on the crank pulley but make sure you turn it clockwise so you don't risk loosening the pulley bolt

It's a bit strange that it won't bump? Does it just lock up as you lift the clutch? Maybe something's broken in the drivetrain somewhere and you've got multiple problems?

[Jordi]

My Samurai won't bump. Tried it a few times. Sounds daft but the battery isn't flat is it?

If you're getting a loud click check the starter motor wiring, make sure its all tight and squirt the starter and the wiring, ignition system with WD40. Other water displaceing lubricants are available.

I'm not entirely sure but do they have clearance? If the cambelt snaps does everything mash up? Or just spin freely?

[ScottieJ]

They are non interference so if the cambelt goes or jumps some teeth just time it up, slap a new one on and away you go

[Jordi]

Theres another possibility. Easy enough to check. Spark plug out and stick a long screw driver in the hole. As you turn it over the screw driver should move up and down.

If its been off roaded a lot the bell housing may just be full of crud.

Jordi

[dan_2k_uk]

Good to meet you Saturday mate.

I drove our whole route from Saturday again today and then carried on to that Baydon by-way but decided to give it a miss as I was on my own.

Hope you get her sorted!

Dan