Is the engine blown

He needs to take the belt off to make sure that one of the accessories (alternator, AC, etc.) didn't seize. That's what comes to mind with the word "spongy".

The converter code at that mileage probably indicates a failed converter, and nothing else. If not, it's probably one of the O2 sensors.

Thanks for the advice. I will pass the info along to the mechanic and hope taking the belt off solves the mystery.

What code was it?

Okay...

A clogged exhaust would indeed prevent the engine from turning, and it might destroy an engine too. But at this point you basically have no information about anything. A compression test might be a good first step although disconnecting the exhaust is not a bad plan either.

It would sure be nice to know what code it was pitching...

--scott

Thanks

I don't know what the test code was. Sorry.

snipped-for-privacy@panix.com (Scott Dorsey) wrote in news:nqnegv$7fj$1 @panix3.panix.com:

No a clogged ex would NOT prevent it from cranking over or even starting for a very brief time. KB

The guy I picked for a mechanic is honest, but I don't think he is very competent . He has had my car for about 3 weeks. I went to him Monday and he offered to buy my car. We agreed on a price and he said to give him until Friday. I had told him that I had asked in an Internet forum about what could be wrong and suggested he take the belt off. He said that was a good suggestion and he would try that.

I went back today and he said he had been so busy that he had not had a chance to try taking the belt off. We went out to the car and he took the belt off and the engine was free.

He then said the problem was the AC compressor.

Thanks for you suggestion.

Maybe not so honest? If he offered to buy your car after he told you the engine is seized, it's not certain, but it's likely he already knew what was wrong, and was trying to pick up a perfectly good car for cheap. It's a very common scam.

If his intent was to make me think the engine was locked, why do you think he would take me with him remove the belt with me watching?

At that point, he had no choice. You were going to find out no matter what, so it made no difference. But all I know is what you've said, so you have a much better idea if he's honest than I do.

Bill Vanek wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@4ax.com:

I think your first assesement was correct, honest but maybe not the best of mechanics. I think he was just trying to buy his way out of a unwanted situtation if his price wasn`t real low. KB