After a heavy oil leak from oil filter area the engine wont start and can't turn the engine with spanner on crank. What does this mean? Cars a ford focus 1.8

victor, March 2011

will it turn anti-clockwise if wont turn any way then i agree with maurice that engine is siezed. has heavy oil leak just appeared now engine locked if so have a good look at engine block near filter ,there may be a con-rod trying to get out of crankcase!

k, March 2011

First check the oil level in the sump,if there no oil showing on the dip stick then you may have seized the engine main bearings - hence you cannot turn the engine with a spanner.

Did you tryto turn engine with spark plugs removed? If not try this first if there still oil in the sump you might be lucky. Draining off oil and see if any metal particals in the oil. Replace oil filter fill with flushing oil - run engine for a short while then replace oil and filter again.

OR if unlucky

If this is the case you have no option but to strip out the engine and examine all bearing surfaces and replace as required. There may be a need to regrind or replace the crankshaft.

Following inspection and dependant upon age and mileage of the Focus might be cheaper to get an exchange engine or second hand unit from a good scrap yard.

Maurice, March 2011