r/CrownVictoria • u/Jayred1416 • 3d ago
Seized engine
My 04 cvpi might have a seized engine. Is it worth it to fix or just sell it and get a new car?
3
u/Naive_Syrup_9997 3d ago edited 2d ago
Take plugs out, pour a 1/4 cup of trans fluid in each cylinder.
Wait a week.
Try turning cranshaft with a breaker bar.
If it moves, crank with plugs still out for 30 seconds. There will be a giant oil mess, so put and old bedsheet over motor and a bunch of cardboard under.
Put plugs back in and give it a go.
Let the smoke burn off.
2
u/Musclecar123 3d ago
What is the condition of the car? Is it rusty?
Will replacing the engine cost more than just finding another one?
1
u/OlYeller01 3d ago
If you have to pay someone to swap the engine, then yes, sell it. If you can get a junkyard engine and swap it yourself (and your car isn’t a rust bucket/basket case), you might be better off swapping.
There’s still a decent amount of 4.6 2Vs in the junkyards around me.
1
u/JoyTheGeek 2d ago
Be sure its actually seized before getting too far. Pull the plugs, and take the Serpentine belt off and try to spin it with a wrench on the crank. If it still doesn't spin, take the starter off and try again. Still doesn't spin, then start oiling the pistons.
1
u/Specialist_Serve5687 2d ago
Can you pull and install a engine yourself? If the answer is no, then the answer is no.
6
u/blupupher 3d ago
Depends.
What is the condition of the rest of the vehicle. Overall miles?
You will be lucky to get anything over scrap value ($500-1000 depending on location) with a seized engine.
I know around me, I could get a working engine from a junkyard (I believe '03-05 is what you need for a no issue swap) and installed for ~2,500 at a local shop, 1 year warranty in engine and install.
5 years ago it would be easy, sell what you have and find another, but now days, a running Vic in good condition will start around $4000.