AutoGmbh

I recently went on a road trip and forgot to check my oil (duh). After making a pit stop I noticed my engine was making a loud knocking or taping noise. It turned out to be about two quarts low and as the noise gradually went away the engine still runs a little rough and makes clackity sounds like the tappets are warped. I have since replaced the oil but what Im wondering is what kind of damage extended driving on low oil can cause and if anyone has any other ideas on what my engine may be experiencing now. Thanks for the help.
-Tyler-

losnova

I had a rather large leak in my older 93 100 S and I came close to 2 Qt low a couple of times. The tappet noise was the warning sign as well as an oil light that would illuminate while turning hard. I never experienced much engine damage. If I did it was inperceptible. WAY TO MUCH OF A RISK THOUGH! Get the leak. Priority # 1. I would cure the leak ASAP.

moribundman

Pray, if you are religious.

MikTip

Only way to tell, is disassemble motor...

moribundman

... boundary lubrication is all that reduces wear and that hopefully prevents serious damage at least momentarily. Unfortunately, crank, cam and rod bearings are easily damaged by lack of lubrication and scuffing is likely to occur. Down the road this will become an issue -- if it's not one already. The knocking could be the rod or crank bearings...

AutoGmbh

No, All my electronics are pretty messed up. Airbag light comes on, check engine light is intermittent and random, and the autocheck insists that I have a brake light out. Plus a variety of other minor weird problems so who knows whats going on.

moribundman

Good luck, I guess. :-\