VT Commodore broke down

[zaz96]

I was driving to Yass from Canberra to pickup something with a trailer. On the way I heard a ticking sound that I though was coming from the trailer, but it turns out it was coming from under the bonnet.

So I kept driving along and after driving for 50km/s the engine lost power and shut off. I pulled the car over to the side of the highway and there was a lot of smoke coming from the exhaust manifolds, pod filter, and the thermostat area.

After allowing the engine to cool down for 30 minutes I attempted to start it, I could hear the battery trying to start the engine with a lot a effort, (1 turn/ 3 seconds). I had the car towed home.

So what could be the problem?

EDIT: The engine oil appears to be fine.

[Maxseverity]

open manifold and check for blockages?

[CommVTS]

I would think the ticking sound could be lack of oil coating the engine so possibly oil pump or blockage. Are there any warning lights on?

Smart idea to get it towed.

[zaz96]

I would think the ticking sound could be lack of oil coating the engine so possibly oil pump or blockage. Are there any warning lights on?

Smart idea to get it towed.

Well the engine was overheating before and when it broke down. I thought it was just a faulty thermostat that I was going to have replaced soon, as the engine temperature would rise from normal to hot then to normal in a space of about 20 seconds.

I did pull over about 20km into the trip as the overheating lights came on, stopped for 5 minutes and continued on.

So I think the engine has actually been overheating as the oil isn't in the best condition.

[zaz96]

I forgot to ask, does anyone have a download link to the VT Commodore Service manual? CD or PDF

Sorry for the double post.

[180sc]

Sounds like it seized due to being cooked.

[puca]

Sounds like it seized due to being cooked.

I second that motion

[pablo]

Thats why the 'General' puts warning lights and gauges in front of the driver. We used to call the warning lights "idiot lights" once upon a time. What are they referred to these days........still the same?

[zaz96]

Sounds like it seized due to being cooked.

So does that mean I need to replace the engine?

[zaz96]

What can i do to get my engine running again?

[180sc]

you may be able to free it up again if it is seized but it will use oil and blow smoke and not run real good.

Get someone knowledgeable to have a look at it to see if it is or not but if so it pretty much new engine or reco time.

[feistl]

Doesnt look good mate.

Next time, as soon as it starts overheating... get it fixed straight away. If it was the thermostat causing issues, it would have been a $20 fix. It may not cost you $1000+ to replace the engine if its totally stuffed.

Service the car often (Very least oil + filter) cause its cheaper than rebuilding it.

Take it to someone who knows...

[daggett]

I second that motion

I third that motion too. Why keep driving if the car was overheating in the first place??? Make me wonder..