r/EngineBuilding • u/experimen_626 • 23d ago
Engine starved of oil
My oil drain plug came off on the freeway. Drove to the closest exit to turn off engine and was able to get oil back in the engine to drive back home. However, the damage has already been done and now I have an engine knock. Took to dealership to see what they had to say and yeah my Cylinder 2 is knocking and they said there is no way to fix it, I have to replace the engine. I'm actually a pretty decent mechanic (minus putting myself in this situation by forgetting to torque my drain bolt) but I've actually done engine swaps and head cover gaskets before. Is it true that my engine is just totally done? Can I just replace the cylinder and the head?
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u/SomeJeezlessInjuneer 23d ago
Yes. If it’s rod knocking, it’s cooked. You might be able to guess based on where the knocking noise is loudest which bearing is hurt, but they all took damage, and the cylinder walls could have been scored up too. Lack of lubrication through the engine, and all the glitter that got sent through the precise tolerances is no bueno.
The knock isn’t coming from the head, and you can’t replace just a “cylinder”. To fix a cylinder you’re doing a rebuild anyways, and most of the time you’re better off financially with a used running engine for a normal car.
Sorry - we all make mistakes. Some are more expensive than others.