What is your opinion? If a car with a 6 cyl engine was accidently driven for about 40 miles and was

Question

3 and one half quarts low on oil due to an unknown leak that was sudden, do you think the engine was damaged. It seems to run ok so far. I think it holds 5 or 5 and one half quarts. luckely we found out before driving any further. thanks

Answer 1

As long as the pump could pick oil from the oil pan, your engine was getting lubed.  At 1 1/2 quarts, that oil would foul within a few hundred miles, but I doubt your engine is damaged.  You would have gotten a warning light, or the engine would have overheated and seized if there was no oil getting to the engine.

Be sure to change the oil to get that overused oil out of there.

Answer 2

As long as there was oil circulating the damage was probably minimal, but only time will tell. I would recommend doing another oil and filter change soon to help clear out the system. Most vehicles hold 5 quarts. Many trucks hold 6.

Answer 3

As long as your engine didn't seize, (i.e. running parts get too hot fuse together) your car is probably fine . It is possible, however,  that some components of the engine were not properly lubricated. This could cause grinding of various parts in the engine. But it looks like youre okay

Answer 4

there is no way to gage this type of problem only time will tell

Answer 5

Most cars / trucks only hold 4 qts.

Are you low by 3.5 qt or is the current level UPTO 3.5 qt?

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If your oil light didn't come on, you probably do not have any damage.  But you should run a compression check anyway.

Good luck...

Answer 6

it may have scorched the rings check the oil every time you get gas i would keep an eye on it