Hi,
I was driving on the freeway when I suddenly heard a thud noise in my car. It drove for another mile or two before the engine stopped. I was able to move to the shoulder of the freeway. The heat gauge shot to the max. There has been a coolant leak in my car and I believe at the time this happened there was very little coolant left. When I tried to start it again, I didn't hear the starter or engine turning noise that you would normally hear but something of a suppressed sound. Engine didn't start. I got the car towed to my home and after an hour tried to start it again and now I hear the normal starter sound, though still a bit suppressed but a bit better than before, but the engine doesn't start. Would anyone have an idea of what happened. Is the head gasket blown? Engine seized?

 

Also, there is a strong burnt smell - like burnt plastic - that was coming from apparently the engine block when I opened the bonnet.

 

Texangator,

A few question for you before any one try to help you.

What engine you have? 6 cylinder or 8 cylinder?
The serpentine belt is on places?
Maybe the timing belt just break?
Let us know what you found out, please.

 

It's Lexus GS400, V8. The belts seem to be in place. This is what happens when I try to start the car
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjUH...ature=youtu.be

 

Your video is set to private.

 

Sorry, should be public now.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjUH...ature=youtu.be

 

Sounds like there's no compression. If it were seized, the engine wouldn't turn over at all. Your engine is essentially toast.

 

that motor is a goner. sounds like unequal compression.

 

Can this be fixed? How much would the estimated cost be? Thanks for the input.

 

Sounds like maybe the timing belt snapped and thats why your getting that burnt plastic smell.

 

Get a compression test done.

 

Hey O.P,

any updates?

 

LOL...he hasn't been on the forum in 5 months!