I have a 1977 280Z - I was driving down the fwy and I started hearing a loud knocking noise and quickly pulled over to the shoulder, once I was at a complete stop the knocking noise continues and I realized it was not due to something under the vehicle or body damage. I quickly turned of my car, opened the hood and did not see any obvious problems and then tried to start my car again and it would not turn over, but you could hear it start and then a clunk sound. On further inspection I check the oil and when I took out the oil dip stick I discovered it was nearly out of oil and steam was coming out of where the dip stick goes. I added oil and it kind of made more of "almost turning over", like a rummmm rummmmm, Anyway, I had to call a tow truck and I have been told that I may have ceased the engine and to take out the spark plugs and put oil or WD-40 in their slots and that it might fuse in and start. Is this accurate advice? Could the noise I heard be something else and if so where should I start to check. Lastly, if my engine is actually ceased... What does that exactly mean? How do I get it fixed? Any idea of repair costs I may be looking at or should I sell my car?

 

Poor a little motor oil down each cylinder, let it sit over night. Also do an oil change and over fill the motor by 1 quart. If the motor was seized you would not be able to turn it over period. Once you get it to start or even turn over fast and you hear knocking, your motor most likely needs a rebuild.

These motors can be had for a song, but having someone replace the motor is not going to be that cheap. Weather or not it would cost more for a new/er motor then another cheap car is dependent on who does the work and where you get the parts.

Any pics?