4.3 locked up,,,,,!!!

[Bizzyb]

New starter, new battery, put new timing chain. Thought it might be that... I'm able to back off the crank then start clockwise manually and get a full revolution..w compression, nothing locking up until I can to that point, but after backing it off again I'm able to get full revolutions . Adjusted timing on crank and cam shaft, continued manually 2 full revolutions ,,, pulled distributor cap .. Turned key and was able to get attempt to try and start but locked up again..... Stuck my hand in front of oil pan.......watery.......f...k me...

Sounds like head gasket but wouldn't I be able to get full revolutions???? I bought this vehicle as a project a lil over a year ago and put about 200mi. On it... Car ran hot on way from one house to another...... And sat for another 6mo. Or so....

Any ideas ?????
Help would be appreciated

[Bizzyb]

This is a 96 Astro ,,, fully bagged, air ride, bridged, w a 4 link

[Sailing_Faith]

Sounds like you have one of the most common problems, a failed intake manifold gasket... it won't turn over because it is hydrolocked.... coolant has filled the cylinders affected and since it won't compress like a fuel air mixture would the motor "locks up"... sounds like a pretty bad failure.

Is there coolant in the oil?

[Sailing_Faith]

Pull the spark plugs, it should then turn over just fine.

Sitting for 6 months with a cyl filled w coolant does not bode well for the future of this motor, but you may be able to save it.... others will post soon with experience... most don't get this bad before the overheating is addressed and the intake manifold gaskets are replaced.