Trying to start, the engine cranking fine" then it just stops. Try spinning by hand still no go. Figuring maybe a push rod, they are fine. With no rockers on, engine still will not budge. We also put the car in gear and tried to push it, still engine won't rotate.

It has deeper issues I suspect......

When was the last time the engine ran? Was it sitting for an extended time?

Haven't had it started, but it cranked just fine, then while cranking it just stopped

Pull the gearbox off and try again, check that the flywheel isnt jammed against some foreign object in the bellhousing. Pull the flywheel and try cranking it. If not it probably needs to come apart.

Have you tried turning it backwards? Maybe something wedged in the impeller fan/housing.

Doesn't rotate backward. Tried putting in reverse and pushing, doesn't roll.

Inspect the fan. If there's nothing obviously wrong, either pull the fan off or remove the trans. If the engine still won't rotate, try the other of those two. If no go, pull the motor.

--DD

Any sign of oil in the valve covers when you pulled them off ? put some WD 40 or similar down the plug holes ,leave to soak and then try again with the plugs out.
Has the motor been out in the weather in the car or uncovered on its own,when did it last run as already asked,no one can help on here if we don't have the facts.

I had a similar issue once. The engine was fine but had been sitting for a year. Problem was carbon in the heads had come loose and was hitting the piston.

Pulled the spark plugs and engine totes freely? Why would this happen

Did any water/oil/gas come out of the plughole? Hydrolocked.

No water oil or gas?

i see your in monroe. i am in chester. pm me i would be happy to swing by and give it a look.

Perhaps a leaking fuel injector or if its carbureted, the floats could be getting stuck

Don't hammer on the thing by trying to bump start. Pull all 4 spark plugs and then see if it will turn over. Next step would be to find a inspection camera and look in the spark plug holes.

Are you saying that it turns over freely without the plugs?


good way to bend a rod.

check your pm inbox

I had a similar situation as well. Turned out to be the starter bendix was hanging up and jamming the flywheel. It happened to me twice and I thought the motor was locking up but when I started to pull the starter I heard a pop as the bendix pulled itself back free from the flywheel. I ended up replacing the starter with a gear reduction and have not had a problem since.