Seized engine

Seized engine in a van: what to do now

The engine has stopped and won't turn over? Don't try to start it again and have it assessed by a workshop. Depending on the extent of the damage, you choose a new engine, which we deliver within 5 working days.

Get a price
Symptoms

How to recognise a seized engine

Other faults can show similar symptoms. The workshop will find the exact cause.

  • The engine suddenly stops while driving, and afterwards the starter won't turn it over, or only with great difficulty.
  • Just before it stops, there is loud knocking or a metallic noise from the engine.
  • The oil pressure or coolant temperature warning light comes on.
  • There is smoke coming from the engine or a smell of burnt oil.

What to do right away

Four steps while the van is off the road.

  1. Stop and switch off the engine

    Stop safely and switch the engine off. Driving on or trying to start it again and again can make the damage worse.

  2. Get the van to a workshop

    On a recovery truck, not under its own power.

  3. Have the damage assessed

    The workshop will find out whether the block, the cylinder head, or also the turbo and injectors are damaged. That decides which new engine you need.

  4. Send us the VIN

    We check the engine by VIN free of charge and send a quote, typically within 1 hour during business hours. If you don't know the engine type yet, we will price all three.

Which new engine for the damage

All three types are new engines with zero kilometres and a 12-month warranty.

Engine type After the failure
Complete engine The engine is completely destroyed: seized, overheated, with a cracked block and head. Or the turbo, injectors and high-pressure pump are not in good condition.
Long block The block or the head is destroyed, but the original turbo, injectors and alternator are fine.
Short block The cylinder head is fine, with no overheating, cracks or bent valves, and the workshop can transfer parts from the old engine.

If you are not sure, choose “Other / Not sure” in the form. We will price all three types.

Before fitting the new engine

Recommendations for the workshop fitting the new engine. They are general; the procedures of the engine or vehicle manufacturer take precedence.

  • Find and fix the cause of the seizure, or the new engine will seize too. If the fault was confined to the engine itself, carry on with the standard installation. Otherwise replace or repair the other damaged parts as well.
  • Replace the heat exchangers and any parts that may hold contamination from the old engine, especially those that oil flows through.
  • On a turbocharged engine, check the condition of the turbo and replace its oil feed and oil return lines.
  • Check that the radiators are not clogged, and clean or replace them as needed.

The full procedure before and after fitting and for running-in is on the engine replacement page.

Quote

We send the price within 1 hour

Enter the VIN and engine code. The rest is on us - we verify the match, calculate the price and reply with a specific quote.

  • No commitment, no registration
  • Reply within 1 hour during business hours
  • Free VIN check

Your details

So we can reach you with the quote.

Your vehicle

The more accurate the data, the more accurate the price.

With the engine code filled in correctly, we send the quote within 1 hour.
Usually on a sticker or stamped on the engine block, in some countries also in the registration document - e.g. F1AGL4113. The VIN is also enough for the quote.

Engine type

If you are not sure, we will send the quote for all three.

I am also interested in parts

Tick the parts you are interested in. We will send the prices together with the engine quote.

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