2008 Ford Escape 4 cyl driven w/o oil in it

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LoneRanger

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Family member encountered a road hazard that took out the oil filter. Filter completely sheered off, hanging by about a 1/2" shard of the outter casing. Literally dangling like a fuzzy dice from a rear view mirror. Oil warning light on instrument panel lit up, but Einstein chose to continue driving approx 5 or 6 miles to get home. Also put about a nickel sized hole in the base of the dipstick tube where it connects to the oil pan. I'm thinking the engine is a spalled up galled up scored mess inside. Suppose I need to have it taken apart and inspected. Although I'm inclined to repair the dipstick foundation damage, throw a filter on, put oil in and see what happens.
 
Oh WOW! I would've blown my top. I have to say, I would be tempted to fix it, pour oil in and see what happens. Worst case, you are out some oil.
 
5~ 6miles after the oil pressure light is lit? Oh well, the engine is toast. Get a block from the wreckers and fix it if I were your family member. Either way: it's gonna be a costly affair. Q
 
The damage might not be as bad as you think. There would have been some residual oil in there than may have been enough to get it home without too much damage. Who can say unless you either pull it apart, or drive it until it breaks.
 
The tin-like metal bell housing base of the dipstick tube, I'm going to fashion a patch using JB weld. I'll throw a filter on, put in sufficient oil and see what happens. If I have to use a piece of beer can for the diptube base patch, so be it.
 
Originally Posted By: justinf89
Fix it and sell it
Proof that Carfax doesn't tell all.
 
Negative on any hope it might not have sustained major damage. All oil to all engine parts must pass through the oil filter first. Six miles without oil pressure is a long time. The engine may run but there is already major damage. If you risk running it after replacing the oil, filter and patching up the dipstick tube hole, it may strand you unexpectedly. A rebuild is in order. Sorry.
 
New engine, you cannot rebuild those. Ford does not sell bearings for those to the public, believe me I have looked. They say the bearings are not a serviced component. At least the Ford reman engine will have a 3 year unlimited miles warranty.
 
Originally Posted By: LoneRanger
Originally Posted By: justinf89
Fix it and sell it
Proof that Carfax doesn't tell all.
I hate to even suggest that but it might be your best option if your low on cash (and luck). If you do end up having to tearing it down, I would have your family member be with you every step of the way, especially if they don't like that kind of stuff, so they see what they have really cost you, money, work, and time.
 
Originally Posted By: LoneRanger
Originally Posted By: justinf89
Fix it and sell it
Proof that Carfax doesn't tell all.
And proof that some people are willing to suggest that you be dishonest for personal gain...dump your problem on someone else, great idea...make sure you don't tell them the truth...especially so you can sell it for top dollar so you don't get hurt...and they do...? sigh... You can't really know what damage is done without a teardown. But fill it up, replace the filter, and put an oil pressure gauge on it...if the pressure is within normal range, you might just have lucked out...and in that case, I would simply keep driving it...when it starts knocking or losing power, time for a reman or rebuild...
 
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If you are up to the task, I'd overhaul the engine. You might find that the head is toast, as the cams ride right in the aluminum. So, it could be an expensive affair. A junkyard engine of the same vintage should be available. Could be less painful.
 
Call the insurance company, may be covered. It is partially an "act of nature" as is a tree falling on it. Insurance isn't just for stolen or crashes. The fact that the driver kept driving should be irrelevant since they fix bodywork on many vehicles whose drivers were driving too fast, too close, etc.
 
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Originally Posted By: LoneRanger
Family member encountered a road hazard that took out the oil filter. Filter completely sheered off, hanging by about a 1/2" shard of the outter casing. Literally dangling like a fuzzy dice from a rear view mirror. Oil warning light on instrument panel lit up, but Einstein chose to continue driving approx 5 or 6 miles to get home. Also put about a nickel sized hole in the base of the dipstick tube where it connects to the oil pan. I'm thinking the engine is a spalled up galled up scored mess inside. Suppose I need to have it taken apart and inspected. Although I'm inclined to repair the dipstick foundation damage, throw a filter on, put oil in and see what happens.
Since the core charge on this particular engine is half the price of a reman I would not risk rotating the engine. Jesse-ASE Master Auto Tech
 
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