Seized 3.2ltr 2007 Captiva engine

[Beldonic]

I has the misfortune last week, whilst on the way to work, of my Captiva giving up the ghost and stopping on the side of the road. I enlisted the services of a tilt tray to deliver the vehicle to the Holden dealer here in Darwin with instructions to diagnose, repair, service and appraise for trade in value on a new model. Unfortunately we didn't get past the diagnose part with the technicians unable to turn the flywheel. Consequently trade in value had seriously diminished and the hip pocket will endure some chronic pain for an extended period.

EDIT <swingtan>: Suggestions for options are invited

[Malus]

Holmart have brand new crate engines for your captiva
http://holmart.com.au/online/prod655.htm

[Beldonic]

Thanks Malus, yes I have seen similar engines being offered however I was hoping to find something cheaper (used - as is where is) as I have committed to a new vehicle. I would like to get the old one up and going for under 5K total so as to keep it as my work car, and the missus will have the new one. The last engine I changed was 35 years ago in the HR. This under-bonnet looks quite challenging to say the least so I'm guessing install may cost in the order of 2K, plus freight to Darwin?

[Malus]

I highly doubt you'll find a working second hand captive 3.2 engine in Darwin.
Did the dealer say how the engine seized? If it was a cooling issue you might be up for more than just the engine...

[planetdavo]

Knowing HFV6 engines, it would be a risk to fit a second hand engine and keep it.
Like any modern engine that's racked some time on the road, oil change intervals and type of oil used is critical, as blocked oil pickups and oil galleries can be ticking time bombs to big expense. Pretty hard to tell that buying from a wrecker. If local, you "could" look for sludge under the oil cap and on the rocker gear as a rough guide to whether it MIGHT be a huge risk or not.
But specifically to the HFV6, a used engine could be moments away from needing some expensive work in the timing chain area. Might make your "cheap" used engine suddenly dearer than the brand new one from Holmart...

[Micks]

That's good advice Dave!

[redvxr8clubby]

Knowing HFV6 engines, it would be a risk to fit a second hand engine and keep it.
Like any modern engine that's racked some time on the road, oil change intervals and type of oil used is critical, as blocked oil pickups and oil galleries can be ticking time bombs to big expense. Pretty hard to tell that buying from a wrecker. If local, you "could" look for sludge under the oil cap and on the rocker gear as a rough guide to whether it MIGHT be a huge risk or not.
But specifically to the HFV6, a used engine could be moments away from needing some expensive work in the timing chain area. Might make your "cheap" used engine suddenly dearer than the brand new one from Holmart...

Is there a date after which timing chain issues should be sorted. I have a November 09 build SIDI SV6, I'm hoping these issues were fixed by then, I have about 104,000 Km on it, no problem so far.

[Smashfist]

Is there a date after which timing chain issues should be sorted. I have a November 09 build SIDI SV6, I'm hoping these issues were fixed by then, I have about 104,000 Km on it, no problem so far.

If it's an SIDI it will be the 3L series two - should be fine.

As for the siezed engine, I'd imagine that a big end bearing has picked up. Tend to see that a fair bit in poorly maintained engines. Did you buy it new? I've found that a LOT of Captiva owners aren't terribly interested in regular servicing. Not a good mix with a motor that can be picky when it comes to missed oil changes.

[Micks]

I'm soo glad I didn't buy one 4yrs ago when entertaining the idea!