I think my engine may be locking up... It was fine last night, and when I tried to start it this morning, it seemed like it seized up after a couple revs. Does it each time I turn the key (only tried a couple times). My oil was low, so I added some and tried again, same results. I'm changing my glowplugs now (waaaay overdue - I've had to crank it numerous times to start when cold for a couple weeks now, but I've been lacking funds)... Do you guys think it could be hydrostatic lock? If so, how can I tell, fix it, etc. Really hoping to get it fixed tonight, as I need it for work tomorrow.

 

Crank it over by hand when the glow plugs are out. You'll be able to tell pretty easily if it's hydraulic locked. Whatever fluid might be in there will spray all over the place.

 

I would check your batteries & starter first. If you had fluid in the cylinders , I don't think you would get may revs. out of it. are you missing any coolant ?

 

How do you turn it over manually?

 

nut on the front of the crankshaft.....use a breaker bar(I usually use the handle off my farm jack for an extension)

 

turned out to be the starter. didn't seem like it to me because it would make a rev or so and then stop, seeming like it was seizing up. eventually it went to the usual clicking sound, which seemed more like the starter. thanks for the posts, guys!

 

Well that's good. Easy fix and much easier to diagnose than say a leaking down injector.