Pop, Stall, Smoke, Nothing
 

Hello All,

Was driving home from work and all was running normal. Turned a corner and there was a loud pop lie a backfire, the car stalled and smoked out the exhaust. Does not turn over. Just loud click when I turn the key and no engine movement. :mad:

Engine seized? Just changed oil about 1500 miles ago. Valves adjusted about 400 miles ago.

1977 240D 255,000 miles

Thoughts?

Thanks.

Timing chain parted company? Ever check it and the guides? Number one rod issues as it is a 616? Hopefully it is something far simpler.

That was the first thing that came to mind.

Not very closely. When I did the valves I looked at it briefly.

I had a timing belt break on a 82 toyota cressida once. The engine would turn still though.

I think that was a non-interference engine.

Car is still down the street about 2 miles away. Prob won't get it towed here until tomorrow and take valve cover off.

So if timing chain broke I most likely bent the valves?

yes

Great! Sucks. Car is in nice shape, no rust. My first diesel mercedes. Had it about 2 months. I guess finding a used motor is next if I see a broken chain tomorrow...

My fault for liking to drive unique old cars and learning to maintain them.

It may have been badly in need of a timing chain for a long time. I replaced mine at 212k and it was long overdue even at that point. Finding a 616 engine if needed should not be hard, could always put a 617 in there too, more power! :)

First things first pop the valve cover off and take a look. If your clutch grenaded it could also lock your motor. Unlikely, but an option.

Assuming the motor is toast, this is the perfect time to put a turbo 617 in there. Imagine you car, but with twice the horsepower! :)

Everything I own is old and unique, guess Iam old and unique too. :rolleyes: :D
This forum is about old and unique, so you are in the right place.

I agree if it is the timing chain, you will have a bent valve or two, and depending on how fast you were going, what ever other damage was done. could just be the chain and a couple valve, broken cam shaft. or cracked head, VC, and broken off cam shaft towers/bearings, and......

You won`t know for sure until you start digging into it. hope it is just a clutch problem, easier fix and less costly.
at least you are close to home. when my 85 broke it`s chain, I was 500 miles from home.

Keep us up to date.

What is your location?


Charlie

Thanks for that. I am in San Mateo CA. I was making a left turn so probably under 10 miles per hour when it happened.

Not sure what I will do. I have done many vw bus/ bug transplants but don't have a cherry picker or maybe even the stomach to swap the 240D motor.

Funny, I drove around 150 mile trip on Monday and was thinking how sweet a 35 year old car can run.

FYI
 

Feel free to call and discuss the car in depth.


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Thanks! Getting towed home this afternoon. Will take valve cover off (there goes the new gasket I just put on! ) and will take pics of the hopefully not too gory scene.

Sorry to hear of your misfortune. That is a nice looking 123. Well worth fixing whatever it is.

- Peter.

The about $5.55 Valve Cover Gasket can be reused several times; on to bigger worries.

It is entirely possible you will only have to fix some stuff on the Head and the T Chain related parts.

Yank off the Vacuum Pump and see if there is anything left of that.

Well here is the bad news. :(

Could I have done this from adjusting valves incorrectly? Seemed pretty straight forward and done it a thousand times on my vw bus/bug motors.
Appreciate all the input here!