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Sent to Car Experts September 14 11:59 AM

1997 Aerostar, 180,000 miles. Won't start. Starter has been removed and bench checked ok. I put back in, still won't turn motor. I used jumper cables to bypass wiring.
I tried using another battery. All I get is a machine gun noise which I assume is the bendix slamming in and out of the flywheel. Engine does not turn over. Engine oil level is near top.   Engine coolant was low but had over a gallon.

 

Optional Information:
1997 Ford Aerostar 3.0L

Already Tried:
Bench test starter, Ok. Tried starter out of car, using existing wiring, OK. Tried starter in car using jumper cables to new battery; got a constant rat a tat tat, like bendix trying to engage.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $8
Info Request
September 14 12:24 PM (25 minutes and 32 seconds later)
         
REPLIED to Info RequestCheck Mark
Does the engine turn over by hand by turning the crank with a ratchet and socket?

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Gene -- Auto Service Technician -- 99% Positive Feedback on 501 Car Accepts
ASE Master w/L1 Advanced Engine Performance, Ford Trans Tech/SMT, Toyota, Mitsubishi,Hyundai Tech.
Reply
September 14 2:02 PM (1 hour and 38 minutes and 4 seconds later)
         
Reply to Gene's Post: I was hoping I wouldn't have to do that. Can't get at the crankshaft bolt without removing the fan shield and can't remove that without removing the fan.

But, I did both, removed the belts, and tried to turn the crankshaft bolt.

No dice. I can turn in CCW but that just loosens the pully bolt. Won't turn CW with a 14" breaker bar and all the force a 70 year old man can put on it.

Guess the engine is froze which means the van is junk.

I replaced an engine in my '89 Aerostar about 10 years ago. Took me nearly a month. At my age, don't want to do that again.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
September 14 6:12 PM (4 hours and 9 minutes and 52 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark
yup that is why the starter wont turn the engine, the engine cant turn.Not much else you can do but replace the engine.

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Gene -- Auto Service Technician -- 99% Positive Feedback on 501 Car Accepts
ASE Master w/L1 Advanced Engine Performance, Ford Trans Tech/SMT, Toyota, Mitsubishi,Hyundai Tech.
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