Engine grinding?

[Coreybien]

Had water boiling over into the overflow tank. Changed out the thermostat, and found a bad radiator cap so I changed both of them. Temperature was fine for a while, but then the motor started shaking. The oil looked fine at first but now looks like it's starting to get milky.

It doesn't start now, just grinds. I thought it was a starter, but I pulled it and had it tested and it passed fine. That's when I checked the oil and saw it was starting to look milky. Did a head gasket go and screw up the oil and now cause a big engine problem?

Thanks for any help.

Also, just had transmission rebuilt recently if that makes any difference.

[TedL]

Originally Posted by Coreybien

Had water boiling over into the overflow tank. Changed out the thermostat, and found a bad radiator cap so I changed both of them. Temperature was fine for a while, but then the motor started shaking. The oil looked fine at first but now looks like it's starting to get milky.

It doesn't start now, just grinds. I thought it was a starter, but I pulled it and had it tested and it passed fine. That's when I checked the oil and saw it was starting to look milky. Did a head gasket go and screw up the oil and now cause a big engine problem?

Thanks for any help.

Also, just had transmission rebuilt recently if that makes any difference.

Milky oil? A head gasket is the cheapest of the possible causes.

[JohnGD]

Milky engine oil means coolant is mixed in it. So check for a blown head gasket or warped cylinder head. Overheating can do that. Less likely is a cracked block.

[Coreybien]

Should I put the radiator under pressure and see if it drops? Then assume its a head gasket? Cause right now when I try to start it it just grinds for a second and doesn't start.

Also, could the starter be bad still? I tested it at autozone and it passed but I still feel like it could be bad. Maybe that arm/gear isn't shooting out as far as it needs to really lock into the teeth on the flex plate. I also don't want to spend 100 for a "remanufactured" starter and then still have the problem or now have a head gasket problem.

By the way it's nearing 200k miles.

[Mister_Perkins]

Is your engine Cranking over? Or just making a grinding noise?

Try to crank the engine over with a socket / ratchet. I am thinking your engine may be seized.

Before turning the engine over manually, remove all the spark plugs to make it easier to roll over

[JohnGD]

Sure, but sometimes you won't get a confirmation yet the head gasket is bad. Check Autozone's free loaner program (with refundable deposit).

Also pull the spark plugs and check for coolant on the plugs or in cylinders.

Starter can be rebuilt because primarily the contacts wear out (search DIYs if needed). And if the plunger isn't returning properly try cleaning and lubing the mechanisms first. So this may be the source of the grinding noise like if you kept holding the key after the engine started?

Don't run the engine because coolant in oil doesn't lubricate well. So that may be another source of the grinding.

OEM27049
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/ino...tingAndCooling

[Coreybien]

Originally Posted by Mister_Perkins

Is your engine Cranking over? Or just making a grinding noise?

Try to crank the engine over with a socket / ratchet. I am thinking your engine may be seized.

Before turning the engine over manually, remove all the spark plugs to make it easier to roll over

That's not good lol. To be honest it's my friends car. I don't know how hot he let it get. I know he brought it over, finally, after having the temperature gauge shoot up on him several times. Then he said the motor started shaking and then the temp rose and now it won't start.

[Mister_Perkins]

The description you wrote doesnt sound good, lol

[Coreybien]

Originally Posted by JohnGD

Sure, but sometimes you won't get a confirmation yet the head gasket is bad. Check Autozone's free loaner program (with refundable deposit).

Also pull the spark plugs and check for coolant on the plugs or in cylinders.

Starter can be rebuilt because primarily the contacts wear out (search DIYs if needed). And if the plunger isn't returning properly try cleaning and lubing the mechanisms first. So this may be the source of the grinding noise like if you kept holding the key after the engine started?

Don't run the engine because coolant in oil doesn't lubricate well. So that may be another source of the grinding.

OEM27049
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/ino...tingAndCooling

It just started raining. I'll try to turn it tomorrow with a wrench. I'll also clean up the starter.

Thanks for the help so far

[Mister_Perkins]

you'll need a Ratchet / Socket to turn it. Wrench wont work.

i think its a 19mm

[Coreybien]

So oil is milky. Motor is turning over now but not firing. Pulled plugs on the front of the motor, one had a little milky oil. One had a drop of water on the point.

Bad head gasket? Is the motor toast now too though?

Thanks!

[Mister_Perkins]

With a bad head gasket, your car should still run unless your pouring a lot coolant into your cylinders.

You need Spark, Fuel, and Compression for it to fire. Figure out why its not starting first. then figure out where the coolants coming from

[Coreybien]

Originally Posted by Mister_Perkins

With a bad head gasket, your car should still run unless your pouring a lot coolant into your cylinders.

You need Spark, Fuel, and Compression for it to fire. Figure out why its not starting first. then figure out where the coolants coming from

What should I check next? Compression test?

[Mister_Perkins]

You've already confirmed you have a bright blue spark, and fuel?

[Coreybien]

Originally Posted by Mister_Perkins

You've already confirmed you have a bright blue spark, and fuel?

Nope I'll do that in the morning!

Thanks!