So I had this truck for 6 months. One day I was driving and towing my camper to the storage unit and the truck just said “reduced power mode”, slowed to a crawl, and died right there. Momentarily after it died, I was able to try and start it, but after I had it towed and what not we couldn’t get it to even try starting.

the mechanic who checked it out works in semis and seemed pretty knowledgeable, he said the engine was seized. He pulled the start he said, and he was able to get it to turn counter clockwise just fine, but only a quarter turn clockwise when doing it manually.

he checked the oil filter and said there was no metal shavings. He said he thinks I need a complete new engine :/.

just curious what you guys think the problem might be and if it could be fixed, or if you agree and I should replace the engine? I’m lost, and I am an electrician, not a diesel mechanic haha I do not know too much about vehicles, so it’s frustrating not knowing if the guy is legit or not. I’m in a state I’m unfamiliar with as well to top it off.

I always used the fuel additives to make sure my fuel pump was in good shape and lubricated as well. I read that it is super important with these trucks, so I had been very adamant about caring for it. Regular maintenance and the works, however i have no idea how the previous owner cared for it.

Just looking for what it could be, he never figured out the why, he just said it’s toast after trying to turn it over manually and being unsuccessful, basically. If I need a new engine, obviously that’s going to cost me a lot haha but I have to do what I have to do.

 

If you haven't already, I'd get FORScan and pull the DTCs as a start.

What year is your truck? How many miles?

 

If it only turns backwards up to 270 degrees at least 1 cylinder is hydro locked.

very Risky to recover from .

me personally would remove all the glow plugs and manually turn the engine slowly to see if any fuel gushes out of one of the glow plug holes.


trying to start it with out draining the fuel in the cylinders will snap a piston rod .


if the cp4 is locked…trying to start it could cause the cp4 timing gear to slip …its pressed fit with no key way.

 

Alright so this is what I would do as your said yourself your not super mechanically inclined.
(Nothing against that, your a electrical wizard.)

Get it towed to another shop for another diagnoses and a quote.

First of does your insurance offer towing? That's a way to get it towed for literally free.
My progressive insurance its like a couple bucks extra a month & I have free towing for 15 mile OR to the nearest service center. So it would be free either way for you. Whoever you have for insurance I'd highly advise looking into what type of towing insurance they offer.

After you get at least 2 opinions go from their. IF the block hasn't been damaged, I would probably look at a ground up re-build. I mean a everything's news & re-machined top to bottom and you've got yourself a new engine. Today's costs for trucks are insane this would probably be way less.

If your in the pacific northwest area I can recommend some places.
Good luck & keep the post updated and people can chime in and offer help.

 

Pull serpentine belt off to be sure nothing froze up front

 

You need to find out more information before ponying up the extreme amount of money for a new engine. Post your location, and there very well may be members here who can direct you to competent shops.