Seized Engine??? Help!

[Earl Grey]

Hi all

My first post and not a happy one. The oil pressure warning light and buzzer came on in the freezing cold on my boy's Arosa a few days ago despite the level being normal. Unfortunately the engine wasn't stopped quickly enough and now I think it's seized solid. It a 99V 1.0 but believe it or not has only done 17000 miles since new and is otherwise mint...so we are reluctant to throw it away as you can imagine. I would welcome any thoughts from Forum members on what to do..these days I don't have the time and skill to do an engine swop and I expect that paying a garage would not be economically viable. Live in Stratford- on- Avon in case that becomes relevant!

 

[Seatmann]

I would put the car in 5th gear, jack up one side of the front and try and see if the engine will move at all. If it is siezed then I reckon it's game over because the pistons and bores will more than likely be damaged which would involve a re-bore. Much cheaper to pick up a second hand engine. Bummer though.

 

[Slimy]

Yep, I'd go along with that. Take the plugs out so compression doesn't build up (easier to turn), and just see if it moves.

 

[Earl Grey]

Yep, I'd go along with that. Take the plugs out so compression doesn't build up (easier to turn), and just see if it moves.

Thanks for your replies. First thing we did was take the plugs out and gave it a good push in 4th and 5th. Locked solid.
Can anyone help on sourcing a decent recon/second hand engine. My inclination at the moment is to put the car on eBay for spares/repair but I need to explore the repair option a bit further...

 

[Slimy]

Here's an engine with top end issues, you could put yours with this and make one good one?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110624689605

 

[andycupra]

one you source an engine and pay for fitment it must be cheaper to buy another arosa.
you will also have a full set of spares, (other than engine block)

 

[akchappers]

Will squirting lots of wd40 down the bores help? If im an idiot sorry!
Ak

 

[Leonidas]

How could this happen if the oil level was normal? Water mixed with oil???

 

[Slimy]

How could this happen if the oil level was normal? Water mixed with oil???

Oil level makes no difference if it's not actually getting round the engine, the oil pressure light coming on suggests the pump had failed in some way or the pickup pipe was blocked. All the oil stays in the sump, and the engine welds itself together.