1) Difficulty turning crankshaft
- You can try turning the crankshaft by hand. If it doesn’t budge or is very hard to turn, this is a sign that the engine is seized.
2) No compression:
- You can check the compression by removing the spark plugs and inserting a compression tester. If the engine is seized, there will be no compression.
3) Knocking sounds:
- If you hear knocking or tapping sounds when trying to start the Prelude, it could indicate the engine is locked up due to insufficient lubrication or internal component failure.
4) Overheating:
- A locked up engine can often lead to overheating as it struggles to move oil and coolant through the system, causing the engine components to overheat and potentially fail.
5) Visual inspection:
- If you can take a look inside the engine, you may notice broken or damaged components, which can indicate a seized engine.
If you suspect that the engine is seized, it is important to have it inspected by a qualified mechanic to confirm the issue and recommend the best course of action.
