Cadillac Repair: engine, replacement bearings, caddilac

Question
i bought a 1989 caddilac coupdeville and the people i bought it off of said  engine wouldn't turn over because  the oil pump is bad , would this be the cause of why the motor wont turn over?

Answer
Hi Dusty, The oil pump isn't big enough by itself to keep an engine from turning over. However if the oil pump failed and the engine lost oil pressure and then siezed up that is a likely senario. Sometimes people have been fooled to thinking the engine has locked up when really the alternator or something else belt driven has locked. First remove the serpentine belt from the engine and see if it will turn over. Then remove the flywheel inspection cover and useing a big flatblade screwdriver or prybay try to move the flywheel. At that point you will know if the engine has locked up or not. If it really has I would suggest installing a rebuilt engine because for the price of a crankshaft and bearings you might be ok BUT if a camshaft bearing is bad then the engine is junk because Caddy doesn't recommend nor sell replacement bearings. Lets hope for a siezed alternator bearing. Good luck. Bill