For no apparent reason this morning my engine froze up. I had started it no more than a minute before. I had just blown out the fuel line as it had some trash in it. I cranked it up, ran it a minute and it died out as if it wasn't getting gas. It probably wasn't cause I pulled the choke out and it picked up for a second or so and then quit.

When I hit the starter it simply went THUNK.

I tried again....THUNK.

I made sure it was in neutral and it was. I opened the hood and pulled on the fan and the engine would not spin. I put the hand crank to it and still it would not spin. It was jammed.

I pulled hard twice more and on the second pull the engine spun. I got back in the car and it cranked right up.

Your thoughts?

My first guess is that the starter gear locked on the flywheel ring gear. Might have been a burr, piece of trash or ??? between the gears. Bad spot on the ring gear???? Doubt if it was anything inside the engine. Hope that helps you sleep better.

Possible cause: When you started the engine the first time, assuming it had sat for a while, you may not have filled all the reservoirs (6 of them) and all the oil had already dribbled down to the sump. These reservoirs are filled by "splash" oil and if the engine is not operated fast enough to fill them they may in fact be dry. Because of the lack of the "splash" oil the engine may have overheated and "seized". After sitting for a while, and your force on turning the crank, it probably loosened up.

It is not wise to let a 4-cylinder idle for long periods of time. It should be "raced" a few times to insure good oil distribution.

For a detailed description on the operation of the Chevy 4-cylinder search for "School is in Session" and read a while.

I crank it about every 2-3 days at the most, usually more often. I take it for a 12 mile trip several times a week also.

I vote for the starter gear binding up. I have had this happen before. Either loosen the two bolts on the starter (always carry 5/8" wrench) to free it or in a pinch you can rock the car forward/back in 3rd gear to knock it loose.

Cheers,
-R

I Have had this problem with my '27 Sedan, The end bushing in the starter gets excess wear, When the gear engages the flywheel it binds and locks up. Remove the starter and check for wear and play in the shaft.

Happy Motoring, Dave

It turned out to be a loose starter is all. The bottom bolt was snug but the upper one was definitely loose.

Had it happen too many times with too many vehicles to think anything but starter.

Somebody slap me for usin that handcrank. I'm too busted up inside for that and I know better.