No oil for 45 seconds....how bad is it?

[aj88cab]

So, I had 4 or 5 projects for the car this weekend. Two of which were replacing a leaking oil level gauge gasket and installing a Dansk pre-muffler and a MK 1in/1out muffler.

So I drained the oil and replaced the gasket (simple job, about 45 minutes, with tank in the car). Then I proceeded to tackle the exhaust stuff (about 4-5 hrs and a dremel with a HD cutting wheel is your best friend with an 18 year old car).

Anyway you can see where this is going. I finished the install and was so excited to hear the results of my handy work, I connected the battery, reached in and turned the key. I was a glorious sound. I took a look under the car to see if there were any leaks, then I stood up, glanced at the dash, and saw it. It gave a whole new meaning to the term "idiot" light. The oil pressure light was glowing red screaming "turn me off you fool".

I turned it off, filled it with oil, disconnected the coil lead, and cranked it to pump the oil. Then started it and slowly took it for a drive. So far it seems all is well.

What are your thoughts, am I safe, or do I start saving for the big one.

Thanks
Andrew

[wholberg]

If you are lucky, you might have had enough oil film to prevent too much damage, as the oil did not have time to heat up. Fill it up with oil and drive it around for a while. If it runs OK, you are probably fine, although, at your next oil change, look for small pieces of a soft metal in the oil. If you are unlucky, that will be parts of your main bearings or rod bearings. If you are lucky, it will only be a little bit and you will be able to drive the car for a long time with no ill effect. If you are unlucky, you will hear an odd knocking sound (commonly referred to as a "death rattle") that is the rods or crank shaft banging against the journals.

As Clint would say, "Do you feel lucky?"

[Bobboloo]

I would run it briefly then drain the oil again and inspect the oil for particals. Then refill with fresh oil. Any damage should show up in the inspection of the old oil. Whatever the case refill with clean oil.

[ruf-porsche]

Drop a magnet in the oil after you drain the oil and see if it attract any fine particle of metal.

If you don't hear a rod knock or a ticking on the cam shaft you indeed dodge the bullet.

[fly944]

I have seen many pos cars run w/o oil @ WOT for over 1/2 hr at car shows. These include Fords, Chevs , & Dodge, I would think you will be fine. good luck

[ChrisBennet]

The knocking sound may come later...
-Chris

[LakeCleElum]

My friend rode his motorcycle 5 miles w/o oil before he did any damage.....

[JeremyD]

45 seconds of no load - you should be OK -

[john walker's workshop]

if it just idled for a few seconds, there's generally enough oil in the system to prevent damage. you weren't revving the piss out of it to hear the exhaust sound were you?

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

I had a oil line blow on my SC on the freeway at 75MPH, as soon as the oil light came on, I killed the engine, and coasted over to the side. must have been 10-15 seconds of running with the oil draining out. When I pulled over, the tank was empty. Was fine afterwards.

[aj88cab]

Thank you all for the input. I will definitely drain and check the oil before I drive the car any more. I have a DE coming up in 3 weeks, that should be the ultimate test I guess if I don't find anything suspect in the oil. And another oil change before the DE won't hurt either.

John - No reving, just idling while I checked for exhaust leaks.

Do I feel lucky... I don't know... but I sure feel like kicking myself.

[450knotOffice]

I think you might want to add your story to this thread:

admit to your stupidity

I hope it all turns out OK.

[aj88cab]

Yes Scott, I have with great humility considered that inevitability..... Never has the irony of my favorite quote (see below) struck so painfully close to home....

[Emission]

Originally posted by Jared Fenton
I had a oil line blow on my SC on the freeway at 75MPH, as soon as the oil light came on, I killed the engine, and coasted over to the side. must have been 10-15 seconds of running with the oil draining out. When I pulled over, the tank was empty. Was fine afterwards.

Yikes! You were blowing 1 qt/sec out the bottom? The other cars behind you must have loved that!

[Chuck Moreland]

The existing film of oil probably gave decent protection and 45 seconds of idle on a cold engine means localized heat buildup just wouldn't be an issue.

Just drive it and and don't make the same mistake again.

[randywebb]

run the oil you added about 200-500 miles, then drain and:
1. send asmaple to a testing lab
2. look the magnetic drain plug over carefully
3. cut the filter and inspect carefully

Repeat at another 1,000 miles and see how that looks.

[randywebb]

run the oil you added about 200-500 miles, then drain and:
1. send asmaple to a testing lab
2. look the magnetic drain plug over carefully
3. cut the filter and inspect carefully

Repeat at another 1,000 miles and see how that looks.

[jkarolyi]

I know this is the last thing you want to hear, but I always put a piece of masking tape over the ignition keyhole when doing multiple projects like you did with the oil out. I'm extremely forgetful and would do what you just did otherwise!

Don't feel too bad...we all have our DOH! moments.

[Wavey]

I'd be interested in knowing what oil you were using before you drained it.

[beepbeep]

I did this on SAAB 9000 Turbo by mistake. Except I run it dry of both oil and coolant Car had 240000 miles on odo when it happened. Motor survived w/o problems. It run approx 40 seconds too. I saw Volvo engines revving freely @ WOT for 10 minutes w/o oil. You are probably OK.