Seized engine or Timing chain?

[Karl33]

So, I own a 2007 Buick LaCrosse cxl that recently started up like the usual in the morning but then I noticed my tailpipe was putting & the car was shaking somewhat. Then when I put it in reverse it got worse & I pulled back into the parking space which at that moment the car shut off. Afterwards it would try to start but wouldn’t turnover, so then I pushed the pedal to the floor to clear the throttle & it started but this time I heard a soft tapping noise which sounded like it was coming from the radiator fan so I hurried up & drove it next door to an auto shop but soon as I pulled in the car shut off & wouldn’t do anything. They said the engine is locked up & they tried to turn it by putting a socket wrench on the balancer but was unsuccessful. So now they’re saying the engine is shot & I need a new one. This is a 3800 V6 btw which I’ve been told are really good engines. My father said he thinks it may be the timing chain & not the engine at all because they haven’t simply told me why the engine is shot therefore they need to look into that possibility. The car had 152,000 mls, can anyone off any other suggestions?

 

[2007LucerneCXL]

This post is probably the best suggestions for this type of problem.
2012 Buick Lacrosse / Dealer says engine is blown. How can I be sure?

 

[Karl33]

This post is probably the best suggestions for this type of problem.
2012 Buick Lacrosse / Dealer says engine is blown. How can I be sure?

thanks!

 

[Smith1000]

I had a 3.8 engine lock up when my intake manifold gasket failed. It sucked coolant into the engine and hydro-locked. I replaced the intake manifold gasket and removed all the spark plugs and turned it over and it blasted coolant out of the plug holes. Once cleared, I put the plugs back in and it started. Had to top off the coolant and it was back on the road again.

 

[MelsRegal]

Did they try turning it over after removing the spark plugs?

 

[Karl33]

I had a 3.8 engine lock up when my intake manifold gasket failed. It sucked coolant into the engine and hydro-locked. I replaced the intake manifold gasket and removed all the spark plugs and turned it over and it blasted coolant out of the plug holes. Once cleared, I put the plugs back in and it started. Had to top off the coolant and it was back on the road again.

Wow! That’s a new problem I never knew could exist! Thanks!