Starter engaging but motor acting like its locked up

1998 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER
100,000 MILES • 0.5L • V8 • AWD • AUTOMATIC
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JIMMY GAUG
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I turn the key and it makes a loud click like the starter is engaging but it didn't Spin and motor doesn't turn over I drove through some deep water before this happened there is no oil in the water uwater no or I don't know what is causing it
Sep 2, 2016 at 7:03 PM
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WRENCHTECH
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 20,760 POSTS
Your motor is likely hydro- locked on water.

Remove all the spark plugs and spin the engine over to get the water out of the cylinders. Don't be surprised if it has done serious internal damage. If the engine was running when this happened, it usually bends or breaks connecting rods. I've had to change many engines for that reason. NEVER drive through high water.
Sep 2, 2016 at 10:22 PM
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