Today went to drive to the mall to and on the way there I started to hear this knocking noise and sounded like a scraping noise. I pull over to investigate it some more, and the car dies on me low rpms. I don't try to let it crank over right away again. I check the oil level, there is almost little to none in the engine, So I added the 2 quarts that I had and try to crank it over, and it seemed to crank 2-3 turns and never again. now when I turn the key to start it, seems to crank very little, then the starter just makes clicks.

any suggestions besides me rebuilding it right away? my Dad suggested taking the valve covers off and pooring oil over the lifter areas and then try it again.


thanks again



- firl -

 

Try to turn it over by hand to see if it is indeed seized. Would be understandable, running on no oil and all.

 

should I give the oil some time to seep in and then try to work it in?

 

I don't think the oil in the pan is going to "seep in" to help if the pistons are siezed. If you find that the engine is in fact siezed I would think that you should remove the spark plugs and shoot some wd40 in the chambers, then fill the pan with the correct amount of oil, then remove the distributor and prime the system.
Then put the distributor and plugs back in and try it.

Maybe that will bring it back.

Thats my guess, make your own decision as I am not a certified mechanic.

 

as a rule there is still 2-3 quarts of oil below the dip stick so if you saw a little oil on it there should of been some in the engine still. most engines i've saw that acted like your's did was because of excessive heat not lack of oil, not that lack of oil couldn't or wouldn't do it.

 

Where was the oil level AFTER you added the two quarts you had? If it was still low (off the stick) you may indeed have been out of oil and running on air. If the oil level returned to near normal after adding the half gallon, you should have had oil left there as ED stated.

If it is truly seized, oil over the rockers won't help. You'll need to remove the plugs as gVetter suggested, but try a slightly thicker oil. Hand-crank the engine by using ANYTHING BUT the center bolt on the crank. A strap wrench on the crank balancer, a flywheel wrench, anything. If you can get it to move back and forth, continue to make a full revolution with the plugs out. If it makes a full cycle (two revolutions), charge the battery and crank it for 15 second cycles several times (with the spark plugs still out). Allow the starter to cool a minute or so between cycles, and listen for unusual noises while cranking. If you can get it to crank enough to make a little oil pressure and dispel the oil in the cylinders, reinstall the plugs and try to fire it up. If it starts, change the oil and filter right away (not tomorrow, not after driving it, but NOW).

Plan on another oil change shortly. Monitor the engine for oil pressure, noises, and excessive heating. Maybe you'll be lucky, maybe you'll be shopping for a new engine.

You know, this makes me feel a little better about going to the fuel pump, popping the hood, and checking the oil and underhood conditions while filling. NO ONE seems to do that any more. I often get strange looks when I do it, and some people have actually asked me if there is anything wrong with the vehicle. All I think to myself is "Wow, that explains a lot..." The "Honda mentality" has certainly taken over.

 

heh, i will have to try that, but I checked it last week ::shrugs:: I might have done it wrong or been a fluke

Didn't check the oil level after I added it cause the tow truck was there giving me a free ride home.

 

Boy 'Firl' if it was a serious knock & not ticking, I would think it's a spun bearing. Once you spin a bearing, it's a turd to get them to fire.
I was able to, but took a truck to fire it up. We added a serious amount of oil (We over filled the **it out her), & kicked the idle up. Mind you that I knew the engine was trashed, but it got me home.

Let's hope it's not that bad...


Hey 'Vader' I feel you, about having the hood up while pumping gas. I get that same damn reaction.
I sometimes wonder if they think there's a lock on the hood, that only the dealer has a key to?

Ron

 

ohhh, A little warning to you... I'm not saying this will happen, but it did to me..(Different engine btw)

If that motor is locked, I mean locked & you shoot a juiced start to her, you could jam that starter in the flex/flywheel.
What I'm saying is, my other dead engine threw a rod through the side of the block, & when I tried to start her my Negative battery cable became a big *** light bulb filament, that glowed for a good amount of time. I ended up taking a crowbar to brake the current.


Ron

 

heh, I found a 350 that runs and starts at a salvage yard with an eldelbrock carb on it for 400$, Im just going to upgrade the car and make a hood ornament out of the 305