Seized Fozzy

[JBGoodnuf]

ok guys need some help my brother just seized his engine in his fozzy, its been throwing a p0440 cel code for a while now which is just because of the rusty filler neck. but he was driving down the highway after a camping trip going only like 10-15 km/h and it ended up stalling on him. He accidently threw it into park while it was still moving it grinded a little for a couple of seconds and braked till the car was stopped, he then tried to start it, it cranked once and then stalled out. He got it towed back into the city and a got a tech to look at it and the crankshaft wont move. Any ideas what could be the cause of the seized engine? the tech wants to throw a whole new block in it but the engine sounded awesome last time I heard it so I dont know if it really needs an engine. just looking for some ideas. Thanks

[Wiscon_Mark]

You need someone who knows Subaru engines to do a teardown. Anything diagnosing on this issue online would be pure speculation without more information.

I would think throwing the car into park while it was moving would damage the transmission, personally, as it basically disconnects the engine from the wheels, so I'm really not sure what to think about that damaging the engine.

I really thought there were electronic safety controls to prevent someone from putting it in Park when moving like that?

[ctbrighton]

tbelt went and he panicked and blew up the park brake in the tranny, junk it.

[Dead91silvia]

I dont think the t-belt went. I havent ever seen a motor lock doing that. I would pull the oil pan and see if there are parts where there shouldnt be. I would also rip the front of the motor apart and see whats going on under there.

Also, the trans might be junk as well. But, might still be good.

Something could also be bound up in the bellhousing, so it might be best to pull the motor. It's not worth dirt if both are blown, but in one of the other is still good, it's worth fixing.

[Wiscon_Mark]

I've heard of a motor locking up while running because of a seized pulley leading to a t-belt flying off before. Happened to a friend with a '00 Outback, just stalled in the middle of the highway.

When I get my headgaskets done, I'm getting a new Timing belt/tensioners on...

[ctbrighton]

I dont think the t-belt went..
I like his answer.

t-belts tend to break more often than not while decelerating, meaning you let off in gear and the forces on the belt are opposite what they are the majority of the time. Chances are it either broke the belt or your friend doesn't check his oil. Or the mechanic saw right through the both of you, i'm guessing the latter.

[decke48]

you could pull the plugs to rule out hydro-lock
about the trans. parking gears work on a lever holding a grove in the final drive planetary from moving. i've seen more of those levers break from it holding cars on hills, then accidental applying it moving. worse that really happens is you lose it working and have to use the ebrake. but i can have more serious effects.