1986 204 DL, 109k miles. When I tried to start my car after driving it a few hours on Monday, it wouldn't turn over. I could hear the starter turn just a tad then a "clunk", like it was bound up on something or didn't have enough amperage to turn the engine over.

Long story short, I got it towed and just replaced the starter. Same symptoms. I took my ratchet and tried turning the engine clockwise but could not move it. It will move almost 1 turn counterclockwise until it won't turn again.


About 10 minutes before this happened I noticed the engine bucked for literally half a second when I was slowing down, but then everything was fine until I stopped.

I have NO idea what caused this. The oil light never came on, it has the correct amount of oil, no strange noises, and it was running strong.

Purchased the car in September and while it did need a lot of work, the engine always ran and sounded great. My parents had 2 240's when I was younger so I know how they are "supposed" to sound.

Here is a short list of what I've replaced:

Timing belt and tensioner
Front oil seals
Drive belts
Cap, rotor, wire, plugs
All filters
Intake manifold gasket
All vacuum hoses
2 oil changes


I did notice when replacing the seals that the engine had some sludge buildup
around the the mating surfaces and some sludge on the oil cap. Changed the oil when I got it then after 1500 miles to help flush it out.

The timing belt is still intact and it's a non-interference engine, so I hope the cylinder head is ok. Could it bad bearings in the bottom end?

Other than the slight hiccup before it died I had NO symptoms. No oil usage, no smoke, no knocking or tapping, and no oil light.

Any help is greatly appreciated. I really don't want to give this car up.