Seized engine?
 

Im hoping for some good news here. I had a guy replace quite a few parts on a 78 sbc 350. New cam, timing chain, heads, headers, air intake, holley....
It ran OK off an on, multiple small problems, til now.
took it out last night, ran well, then half way home , it started making a squealing noise and losing power. wouldnt take a jump, had to tow it home.
today i saw that the low mount alternator bracket had come loose and was rubbing against the harmonic balancer. I fixed that, charged the battery and it reluctantly started and ran for a few seconds. now it does nothing. Battery tests fine. The starter is one of the few things I havent replaced. I tried to turn the harmonic balancer with a 1/4" drive socket, and it wont turn. Im worried its seized up! any info is appreciated!

Re: Seized engine?
 

Thats a bummer. Did you loosen all the belts to make sure accessories are still free turning? Its a shot in the dark... Did you lose oil pressure and did you pull the dipstick to have a look at the oil?

Re: Seized engine?
 

Pull the plugs and get at least a 1/2" drive pull handle and see if you can turn the engine over. I'm not sure what you mean by 1/4" socket but if you are trying to roll it with a 1/4" ratchet it's doubtful you are able to, especially with the plugs in.

Does the starter sound like it is trying to engage?

Re: Seized engine?
 

Just because it doesn't budge on the balancer bolt doesn't necessarily mean anything. I would discourage using the balancer bolt to try to turn the engine over. If that bolt breaks than your in a real predicament. I'd start by dropping the dust cover to access the starter ring gear. You can then use a long screw driver or pry bar to pry on the teeth of the ring gear to rotate the engine. It may be easier to pull the spark plugs and belts but shouldn't be necessary. If the oil looks good and the motor turns over by hand then your problem is probably electrical.

Re: Seized engine?
 

I meant to say with a 3/8" socket
I will pull the plugs and try that thanks
The starter does make one solid clunk noise like it's trying to engage yes
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Re: Seized engine?
 

I will try that thanks!

Re: Seized engine?
 

you should be able to turn engine over "backwards" using the fan belts. there will be no compression this way