My 2000 Cavalier Will Not Start When Being Pulled

Take all of the spark plugs out and then try cranking it over. If its still stiff then its not a hydraulic lock up problem.

I assume you are trying to pull it in a gear higher than first or second as well?

Yes tried second, and third

Erased as the comments had already been correctly made.

You are thinking hydrolock? Why, did you park it in the river? If that is really the case this car is probably a goner.

Other symptoms?

use high gear when your being pulled.

Yeah, pull the plugs and see if they are wet.

Also, when "kick" starting a manual car always use second gear to start it and let the clutch out a little slowly so that the wheels do not skid.

If there is gas in the cylinders be careful not to ignite it!

Maybe the timing belt is broken and one of the valves is down and touching a piston?
More likey than a hydro lock, unless the head gasket has gone and coolant has got into a bore???
Check the belt, if that looks ok, pop the head off.
Del
_{(been there done that)}

Actually, it is easier to inspect the antifreeze for oil contamination and the engine oil for antifreeze contamination.

A timing belt failure may be a problem, but far easier than popping the head is simply performing a compression test or even a leak down test. Either will determine if there is a failure in the valve train.

Pulling the plugs is necessary for the compression or leak down test. When the plugs are pulled, inspecting the plugs can tell you a lot of things up front, just as inspecting the fluids can.

Hi thanks everyone, i got it running. The serpintine belt was not turning, so i sprayed all pullys with wd40. The belt broke so i have to replace the belt and find out which pully is seized. Any idea of a cost to have this done?? Thx Again Gary

This gets more interesting with every turn.

How did you get it running?

Could you not see which pulley was not turning?

Did the belt break before or after you sprayed the WD 40?

I'd find out which pulley is seized before you put the new belt on.

Ditch the WD 40.

Cost could be from $100.00USD for an idler to infinity, and beyond, for an alternator/water pump/cam/power steering pump.

Good luck.

It broke after i sprayed on the wd40. It looked as if the belt had bonded to the pully. It is going to the shop, $105 tax in to replace the belt. I also asked them to give me a quote if one of the bearings are seized. This is just my winter beater so i do not want to spend to much on it. After i sprayed it it started right up, so i either loosened a pully or just let the pullys freely spin. When i put the car away in March i told myself to start and move the car 21 feet every 21 days....but i forgot to remind myself.

Good news for you. Next time put a reminder on your sundial.