DEAD ENGINE?! -- HELLLLLPP.

[ninetysevenI30]

hello everyone.

long story short -- been driving my 97 i30 fine with no problems (except for the oil leak that ive posted awhile back).

i went to the store to purchase some things (20 mins drive out / 20 mins drive back).

car was running fine.. no problem. everything was RUNNING NORMAL -- about 2 stop lights away from home.. THE CAR STARTS SMOKING/ALL POWER DEAD/ rolled it downhill in neutral to the nearest parking spot.

only way to get it home was to get it towed.... engine has no COMPRESSION.. doesnt even crank.

*coolant in between max/min level // oil was definitely in there before i left (i check it before i leave-- due to oil leak)

how could this happen out of nowhere?!! -- from perfectly fine -- THEN DEAD in 40 mins of driving...

is it time for a new engine? // engine work? -- NEW USED CAR?!

ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

would really appreciate some input.

thanks in advance.

[maxhopper]

Sounds like the engine may have seized. I'd remove the spark plugs and try to crank it. If it still won't turn over, try to turn the crank using a breaker bar.

You could probably find a decently low mileage engine through www.car-part.com or www.lkqcorp.com.