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Engine Will Not Crank - Crankshaft Will Not Rotate (LDK, LHU)

Engine Will Not Crank - Crankshaft Will Not Rotate (LDK, LHU)


Cause Correction
Seized accessory drive system component


1. Remove accessory drive belts.

2. Rotate crankshaft by hand at the balancer or flywheel location.


Hydraulically locked cylinder


Coolant/antifreeze in cylinder

Oil in cylinder

Fuel in cylinder



1. Remove spark plugs and check for fluid.

2. Inspect for broken head gasket.

3. Inspect for cracked engine block or cylinder head.

4. Inspect for a sticking fuel injector.

5. Inspect for cracked cylinder wall.


Seized automatic transmission torque converter


1. Remove the torque converter bolts.

2. Rotate crankshaft by hand at the balancer or flywheel location.


Seized manual transmission


1. Disengage the clutch.

2. Rotate crankshaft by hand at the balancer or flywheel location.


Broken timing chain and/or gears


Inspect timing chain and gears.

Repair as required.


Seized balance shaft


Inspect balance shaft.

Repair as required.


Material in cylinder


Broken valve

Piston material

Foreign material

Cracked cylinder wall



Inspect cylinder for damaged components and/or foreign materials.

Inspect for fallen cylinder wall.

Repair or replace as required.


Seized crankshaft or connecting rod bearings


Inspect crankshaft and connecting rod bearings.

Inspect for fallen cylinder wall.

Repair as required.


Bent or broken connecting rod


Inspect connecting rods.

Repair as required.


Broken crankshaft


Inspect crankshaft.

Repair as required.