I have a 2000 Dodge Stratus SE 2.0 liter .
The car only has 59,000 miles on it,and looks great.
Unfortunately,one cannot get by on looks alone!

The problem started with a freeze plug leak.The freeze plug was corroded and started a pinhole leak.(Repaired freezeplug)
I've replaced the ac/heat fan blower resistor at least twice,symptoms were no fan blowing on any speed except HIGH.
Oil was changed on a regular basis. Then after a few weeks it started overheating. Gurgling sound in overflow, with milky looking fluid. Had a test done on the overflow,which revealed a headgasket problem/leak.

When I tried to crank it the engine seemed to not turn.I took it to my mechanic(where the car sits at the moment) and he says he tried with a bar to turn the crankshaft and it won't budge it seems. He informed me that the engine is seized.

Is there anyone out there that may know a trick to unseize the engine?If that is even possible? Or what else may have seized instead?

I've been quoted some prices on new ($3000.00) or used ($800.00)engines,plus labor costs,but I hate to sink more money into the car. I've read hundreds of nightmare stories about the dreaded 2.0 liter engine problems online and I'm at my wits end as to what to do with the car now.
I don't think I would even sell it to my enemies!

Anything I can have my mechanic check while it's still on the operating table?

Thanks for taking the time to read this!

 

Oil in the antifreeze (milky white antifreeze) is a good symptom of a blown headgasket. it caught quickly enough, the damage can be minimized. If the engine siezes, there isn't anything that can be done. Think of the pistons being WELDED to the inside of the cylinder. If you can get a tested used engine, it should give your car several more years of life, and be much less costly than having another car payment