Apparently the oil in my car pretty much was gone. The steering went out and then the car shut off (like i ran out of gas). I added oil, the car started up again (made some noise but it stopped) and ran ok. What kind of damage am I looking at if any?
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StupidCar
ANSWERS: 2
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On the list of very, very, very bad things that can happen to an engine, "running without oil" is pretty much at the top. Without oil, the moving parts (and there are a lot of them) get extremely hot very quickly from friction, and warp and morph like the teenager's faces in the horror movies. An engine rebuild is highly likely to be the diagnosis.
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Here is a list of things that can get damaged by engine oil starvation: Piston Rings Pistons Wristpins Connecting Rods Crankshaft Con-Rod Bearings Main Bearings Camshaft(s) Plus More Replacing any of these will require tons of money. Basically every moving part of your engine needs lubrication to work. $10 worth of oil could save you thousands in engine work so don't hesitate to check it often and top it off. It sounds like you could have potentially dodged a bullet. The engine may have temporarily cut out due to the excess heat and friction. I would recommend changing the oil and filter (you mentioned you refilled it but the old cooked oil and possibly metal remain inside the engine). Over the next few trips be aware of the sounds the engine makes. If it starts making knocking noises then you need it rebuilt or replaced.
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