Is my engine blown?

My 1998 Olds 88 has a 3.8L. It was running hot and we added water to the radiator while the car was running. Instantly the engine cut off. When trying to restart it sounded like the starter was trying to start the engine but the engine wouldn't turn over. I removed all of the plugs and still will not turn over. Is my engine blown anyone have any sugestions any help I will appreciate. Thanks.

Take the serp belt off and try it. It could be a locked up water pump (this would account for the low coolant level) or other belt driven accessory that isn't allowing the engine to turn over.

My 1998 Olds 88 has a 3.8L. It was running hot and we added water to the radiator while the car was running. Instantly the engine cut off. When trying to restart it sounded like the starter was trying to start the engine but the engine wouldn't turn over. I removed all of the plugs and still will not turn over. Is my engine blown anyone have any sugestions any help I will appreciate. Thanks.


how hot did you get it you might of warped something
but i don't see any reason for it to seize
unless you have a cracked head
but thats just about imposable with the 3.8

Not sure how hot I wasn't actually driving it the night in question, but I thought it was strange because it overheated on me one time before and the engine stalled because of the sensor that only allows it to get so hot before it shuts down. Does this sound right?

Not sure how hot I wasn't actually driving it the night in question, but I thought it was strange because it overheated on me one time before and the engine stalled because of the sensor that only allows it to get so hot before it shuts down. Does this sound right?


uhhh i dont know much about the series 2 of the engine
ask gtpdad or another moderator they know there stuff

If the starter is turning the belt and all of the pulleys are turning, you might have just got a cam sensor or crank sensor that went out. If the cams or crankshaft aren't reading right, the engine won't even spark. If you could get the codes read, that should tell you.

Otherwise, you could just replace them, but as with replacing any part without certainty, you risk that not working and being a needless fix plus money wasted. Replacing both would be about $120 - 150, which is with the sensor and the harmonic balancer puller, which is a tool you'll need.

check your battery