Engine damage from running low on oil?
- Thread starter llmercll
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Originally Posted By: llmercll
Hi everyone,
My car is a 2001 Honda Civic HX, 5-speed transmission.
I had my oil changed 6 months ago at a shop and just did it again myself today. Unfortunately, when I drained the oil I noticed there wasn't much in there, and it was very black; I estimate there was no more than 1 1/2-2 quarts in an engine that calls for 3.7.
I realize I messed up bad by not checking my oil levels and topping off accordingly, but I'm wondering what the probability of there being engine damage is, and whether or not there's anything I can do to help. The oil light never came on, and I don't hear any unusual noises. I put my mechanic's stethoscope to each cylinder and they seem fine, and the engine has no blowback. Should I run some seafoam through it? Maybe change the oil again at only 500 miles or so?
I would really appreciate some thoughts and ideas regarding my situation. And yes, never again will I neglect checking my oil levels
By the time the light comes on, it's too late if you're going at highway speed. It's NOT an "ahhhh check your oil sometime" light.
Hi everyone,
My car is a 2001 Honda Civic HX, 5-speed transmission.
I had my oil changed 6 months ago at a shop and just did it again myself today. Unfortunately, when I drained the oil I noticed there wasn't much in there, and it was very black; I estimate there was no more than 1 1/2-2 quarts in an engine that calls for 3.7.
I realize I messed up bad by not checking my oil levels and topping off accordingly, but I'm wondering what the probability of there being engine damage is, and whether or not there's anything I can do to help. The oil light never came on, and I don't hear any unusual noises. I put my mechanic's stethoscope to each cylinder and they seem fine, and the engine has no blowback. Should I run some seafoam through it? Maybe change the oil again at only 500 miles or so?
I would really appreciate some thoughts and ideas regarding my situation. And yes, never again will I neglect checking my oil levels
By the time the light comes on, it's too late if you're going at highway speed. It's NOT an "ahhhh check your oil sometime" light.
3.7 quarts ?
Round it off to 4 quarts.
Round it off to 4 quarts.
Originally Posted By: Dallas69
Oh no,not a Purolator filter!!
If you didn't hear strange noises before,you will now!
Dude! I can hear them noises from here! OMG!!!
Oh no,not a Purolator filter!!
If you didn't hear strange noises before,you will now!
Dude! I can hear them noises from here! OMG!!!
AZjeff
$50 Site Donor 2023
If running an engine with less than 1/2 the recommended oil fill for an unknown amount of time truly causes no damage then this site really is full of OCD fanatical crazies. Including me.
I wouldn't worry about it. just check the oil every other fillup from now on.
Originally Posted By: AZjeff
If running an engine with less than 1/2 the recommended oil fill for an unknown amount of time truly causes no damage then this site really is full of OCD fanatical crazies. Including me.
Exactly what "damage" should we expect.
As long as the oil pump doesn't cavitate and the TBN is ok there shouldn't be any problems at all.
Yes with less oil circulating the tbn will deplete faster however as long as it's not completely depleted the oil is fine.
If running an engine with less than 1/2 the recommended oil fill for an unknown amount of time truly causes no damage then this site really is full of OCD fanatical crazies. Including me.
Exactly what "damage" should we expect.
As long as the oil pump doesn't cavitate and the TBN is ok there shouldn't be any problems at all.
Yes with less oil circulating the tbn will deplete faster however as long as it's not completely depleted the oil is fine.
Who goes 6 months and does not check the oil? What about coolant? Brake fluid?
AZjeff
$50 Site Donor 2023
Originally Posted By: Clevy
Originally Posted By: AZjeff
If running an engine with less than 1/2 the recommended oil fill for an unknown amount of time truly causes no damage then this site really is full of OCD fanatical crazies. Including me.
Exactly what "damage" should we expect.
Rusty dipstick? If the oil light is triggered by low oil pressure maybe it should be called the damaged engine light.
Originally Posted By: AZjeff
If running an engine with less than 1/2 the recommended oil fill for an unknown amount of time truly causes no damage then this site really is full of OCD fanatical crazies. Including me.
Exactly what "damage" should we expect.
Rusty dipstick? If the oil light is triggered by low oil pressure maybe it should be called the damaged engine light.
Originally Posted By: llmercll
I'm using the Purolator ONE, I read it's one of the best oil filters lol
yes.. they were...and they might still be if you get one that the Media doesn't tear/isn't torn already...
if you search around on here, you'll see some documented defects across the Purolator line in the last couple years...
I'm using the Purolator ONE, I read it's one of the best oil filters lol
yes.. they were...and they might still be if you get one that the Media doesn't tear/isn't torn already...
if you search around on here, you'll see some documented defects across the Purolator line in the last couple years...
OVERKILL
$100 Site Donor 2021
Originally Posted By: Clevy
Originally Posted By: AZjeff
If running an engine with less than 1/2 the recommended oil fill for an unknown amount of time truly causes no damage then this site really is full of OCD fanatical crazies. Including me.
Exactly what "damage" should we expect.
As long as the oil pump doesn't cavitate and the TBN is ok there shouldn't be any problems at all.
Yes with less oil circulating the tbn will deplete faster however as long as it's not completely depleted the oil is fine.
Less oil means hotter oil which means thinner oil. It is possible that with that much of a reduction in sump volume (assuming we don't suck air) that the viscosity of the lubricant may get low enough to cause damage.
Originally Posted By: AZjeff
If running an engine with less than 1/2 the recommended oil fill for an unknown amount of time truly causes no damage then this site really is full of OCD fanatical crazies. Including me.
Exactly what "damage" should we expect.
As long as the oil pump doesn't cavitate and the TBN is ok there shouldn't be any problems at all.
Yes with less oil circulating the tbn will deplete faster however as long as it's not completely depleted the oil is fine.
Less oil means hotter oil which means thinner oil. It is possible that with that much of a reduction in sump volume (assuming we don't suck air) that the viscosity of the lubricant may get low enough to cause damage.
Bimmers owner will be so screwed then.
No dipstick and check oil when it is too late
No dipstick and check oil when it is too late
OVERKILL
$100 Site Donor 2021
Originally Posted By: Stewie
Bimmers owner will be so screwed then.
No dipstick and check oil when it is too late
My bimmer tells me when I'm down 1L
The new ones with the electronic level gauge I believe do the same thing.
Bimmers owner will be so screwed then.
No dipstick and check oil when it is too late
My bimmer tells me when I'm down 1L
The new ones with the electronic level gauge I believe do the same thing.
oil burner is born!
OVERKILL
$100 Site Donor 2021
Originally Posted By: friendly_jacek
oil burner is born!
Yup! LOL!!!
oil burner is born!
Yup! LOL!!!
2.7 quarts of a grade higher and 1 quart of Marvel Mystery Oil. Done.
it's a 14 year old car
that's not a knock, it's a love tap
that's not a knock, it's a love tap
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