My 2000 SSEi bit the dust tonight. My guess is that the crankshaft pushrod bearing is gone. I first noticed a problem when the car just died at a red light after getting off the highway. I was able to start it again and continue on until the next red light. It died again. I was able to start it again; this time slow cranking (even though the battery is brand new), but now the car is making a loud rapping sound (not valve tap). The more gas I gave it, the louder the rapping was. I got to my destination and let the car sit for an hour or so. I started the car again with the same slow cranking and drove a bit, trying to get home. As soon as the engine heated up, the rpms started fluctuating and the rapping got louder. Finally it died again and this time, it would not turn over again. AAA got me home.

The car has 127,000 and is in GREAT shape. It'* been well maintained by me. No rust or wear. Everything works well. All fluids are clean and full. I'm thinking the prior owner may have beat the crap out of it.

Does this sound like a blown engine to you? What are my options? I would like to keep the car... maybe get a used engine installed? I'm not ready to give this one up!

Thanks!

Martin

I don't know what a crankshaft pushrod bearing is...

But, to me it sounds like you spun a crank bearing. If it didn't send a lot of bearing material into the oil, the engine may be salvagable. If not, there'* lots of L67'* out there.

Yup, I agree with JWickoff.
Your best bet is to check www.car-part.com for a new/used engine near you.

BTW, my 99 SSEi was bought from Long Pontiac in Framingham, approx. 40 miles from you.

Yea... yea... that'* what I said Thanks for the clarification....

Martin

Drain your oil and see what you got. If if looks like silver oil then forget about it. You would be cheaper off putting a used motor in. I rebuilt my L36 after a spun crank bearing and have invested over $2000 into parts and machine work....... ..with nice results

Found a used engine with 46,000 miles. Had it installed with a new water pump for a total of $2000. My car now runs better than ever!

Martin