Intake Slipped off

Status
Not open for further replies.
Joined
Oct 15, 2010
Messages
51
Location
NY
Morning all.

I popped the hood last night to check the oil and realized that the intake tube had slipped off the throttle body. It was still partially sitting against it but there was a pretty large gap on the side, so I’m sure the motor ingested a bunch of unfiltered air. The truck is a 2010 Commander 5.7 with no MAF, so there were no indicators from the engine that something was off. Not really sure how long it ran like that, could have been a while. I do (2) 2 mile city runs daily and maybe 1 long highway run every 3-4 weeks.
There are still 2.5 months until the oil change, but my plan is to change the oil now and do my first UOA. I requested the kit from blackstone but will collect a sample in a bottle of my own since delivery, according to their site, may take up to 2 weeks. I am hoping that the analysis will show how much dirt the engine ingested (silicone?). Will it also show If there was any damage done to the motor (seals, rings, cylinder walls) or is that asking for too much? The engine has only 25K miles, so I am pretty bummed about this. Thank you all in advance.
 
You will be asking too much from ONE $20 UOA.

It will be fine. Reconnect the intake hose securely and keep on motoring.
 
I'm with zaedock. I don't think it's going to show very much in a UOA. If you had been driving through the desert non-stop for 2 weeks at wide open throttle, then you can be nervous.
 
I also agree with Zaedock. You already know the engine ingested dirt, so dump the oil early. If you have engine damage you'll know w/o a UOA. I'd save the money on a UOA, you already have a pretty good idea of what will be red flagged. I doubt you trashed your engine. JMO
 
Given your commute, I would guess that you would see elevated levels of sodium and/or potassium from the awesome weather we've had. I highly doubt you did any damage at all though. My friend had an engine fire 15 years ago in his Jeep and drove home from Utah with a Pringles tube and pantyhose on his throttle body. He still drives it today.

I have to say, that I commend you for caring! The next big job we have lined up is a Jeep Cherokee whose owner ran it out of oil. My brother made a house call because he knows the guys dad and the motor was rapping like Run DMC. After checking, he added 5.5qts to the 6 qt system. Too late though! We're replacing the long block in a week or two with a used unit.

I won't even get started on the Expedition the guy is trying to drive while his Cherokee is getting worked on. Sheesh.
 
Wouldn't a UOA on the next couple changes show if there was significant dirt suckage and alot extra wear occuring?
I do agree though, that odds are nothing significant has happened to the motor, but if it was my truck I'd rather know now that there could be a problem, than in 50k miles when the motor sounds terrible.
 
Originally Posted By: IndyIan
Wouldn't a UOA on the next couple changes show if there was significant dirt suckage and alot extra wear occuring?
I do agree though, that odds are nothing significant has happened to the motor, but if it was my truck I'd rather know now that there could be a problem, than in 50k miles when the motor sounds terrible.


A UOA may show contaminants and then again it may not. If it did though, what could be done? - nothing really, except to keep on trucking.

My off road toys ingest a lot during an off road season. Sometimes silicon is a bit higher, but wear remains typical.
 
Originally Posted By: Zaedock
A UOA may show contaminants and then again it may not. If it did though, what could be done? - nothing really, except to keep on trucking.


Exactly unless you plan on tearing the engine down to inspect or sell it as a result I see no value or need. Otherwise keep on truckin'.
 
at least its winter.. not too much dust.

sucking in salty moist air probably not good but not as bad as dirt.
 
When I was young and stupid, I used to run my car without the air filter because I liked the way it sounded and I was convinced it had better performance. Anyway, I drove that car to recycling yard after > 15 years and > 250K miles.

forgetaboutit
 
See my UOA with very high wear metals from a KN with a damaged seal. Dirtin your engine is aabrasive, fix it and change the oil immediately to flush out the abrasive silicone.
 
Originally Posted By: 901Memphis
See my UOA with very high wear metals from a KN with a damaged seal. Dirtin your engine is aabrasive, fix it and change the oil immediately to flush out the abrasive silicone.



I've gotta ask. How exactly does silicone get into oil. Silicone is a sealant commonly used to seal around windows and doors.

Silica on the other hand is sand and I can certainly understand if it shows a high level running without a filter.
 
thanks guys. As someone said, Id rather see how bad the situation is. As much as I love the truck, I will trade it in if wear is high. I'll change the oil this weekend and then probably again at the end of April. I do changes every 6 months and April-October works best.
 
Originally Posted By: BigD7
thanks guys. As someone said, Id rather see how bad the situation is. As much as I love the truck, I will trade it in if wear is high.


That would be a complete waste of money. The engine will still far outlast the useful life of this vehicle.

My old Mazda had a crack in the air intake elbow for who knows how many miles before I found it - sealed it with tape, only to crack somewhere else and repeat - the car went to 345k without burning oil.

You are overreacting and dramatizing it. I don't care if I sound harsh, but you are, and you need to hear it. Your truck will be fine.
 
Originally Posted By: BigD7
thanks guys. As someone said, Id rather see how bad the situation is. As much as I love the truck, I will trade it in if wear is high. I'll change the oil this weekend and then probably again at the end of April. I do changes every 6 months and April-October works best.



Wow! Just go to show you how little knowledge could be a very dangerous thing.
 
agree, i should have probably phrased it differently. The truck already has issues with a whining diff and leaky sunroof. Add increased oil consumption, which, as I've read, may result from my situation, and I dont know if I want to deal with it. Anyways, appreciate all the responses.
 
Originally Posted By: BigD7
thanks guys. As someone said, Id rather see how bad the situation is. As much as I love the truck, I will trade it in if wear is high. I'll change the oil this weekend and then probably again at the end of April. I do changes every 6 months and April-October works best.


If you are using the UOA to determine if you wrecked the engine to trade, sell, donate, or dispose of the car then I do see some value. Just keep in mind the report is probably not going to be a good one, and the numbers will probably return to normal in short order.

If you do go the UOA route please post the results.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top Bottom