Possible damage to engine due to previous owners error
I purchased a used car and i was told that the person that owned the car before me had recently serviced the car which i was okay with but i have found out that when he serviced the car he had un-done the draining bolt and drained all the oil out and after that he then got a garden hose and flushed water throught the bit you put your oil and let it flush through and out the bit the oil drains from has that caused damage or is the engine okay. It sounds fine and drives fine just curious to find out.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
This is the first time in my 30 plus years as a master mechanic I have ever heard of someone flushing the engine oil with a garden hose. Are you sure the previous owner did not open the radiator drain and flush out the cooling system? The cooling system flush with a hose would be okay to flush out excessive debris from the cooling system. If the hose was put into oil crankcase then all the water may have washed out all the bearing from having oil in them and then when fresh oil was put in there would be water still left over and engine bearings may have been damaged when started.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
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In fact, if you wait too long for an oil change, your smooth and clean oil will turn into dirty sludge. When this happens, your engine must work harder to fight through the buildup of muck. It loses its lubrication, and decreases heat absorption. This means that your car will be susceptible to major issues.
Vehicle owners who fail to change their oil for particularly long periods of time may experience many issues. However, all of these potential problems can eventually lead to one predictable result: engine failure.
The short answer is yes. Engine oil is crucial in maintaining optimal performance by lubricating and cooling engine components. Neglecting regular oil changes can lead to increased friction, reduced efficiency, and potential engine damage, ultimately impacting acceleration.
Cars can generally go 5,000 to 7,500 miles before needing an oil change. Furthermore, if your vehicle uses synthetic oil, you can drive 10,000 or even 15,000 miles between oil changes. Continue reading to learn more about oil changes or skip to scheduling your oil change right here on our website.
In general, though, modern cars can manage 5,000 to 7,500 miles between oil changes. If your vehicle calls for a blended or full synthetic oil, you can push that to 10,000 miles.
As engine oil ages, it breaks down and becomes less effective at doing its job. Most manufacturers recommend getting the oil changed at least once per year, no matter how few miles you`ve spent on the road.
Does your car run better after an oil change? While it may not be noticeable, the answer is yes! Fresh engine oil will allow the engine to run optimally and you`ll protect the engine from dirt build-up and metal-to-metal damage.
Simply put, as a general rule, manufacturers recommend that you change the oil for a gasoline engine every 10,000 to 15,000 km, or about once a year for “regular” usage (frequent but not intensive) or once every 2 years if used less frequently.
“While synthetic generally holds up better and can serve for more miles, it is equally important to not extend oil changes beyond the time interval recommended by the manufacturer—typically six months or a year if it is a motor that is not driven many miles or on many short trips.”
The quick-lube chains usually recommend it be done every three months or 3,000 miles, but many mechanics would tell you that such frequent changes are overkill. Indeed, most car owner`s manuals recommend changing out the oil less frequently, usually after 5,000 or 7,500 miles.
You might have heard the old advice to get an oil change every “3 months or 3,000 miles.” But that`s simply not true anymore! With all the advancements in engine design and synthetic oil technology, modern vehicles can go 5,000, 7,500 or even 10,000+ miles between oil changes.
It used to be normal to change the oil every 3,000 miles, but with modern lubricants most engines today have recommended oil change intervals of 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Moreover, if your car`s engine requires full-synthetic motor oil, it might go as far as 15,000 miles between services!
The most common way that engines sustain major damage is from overheating. When an engine runs too hot, it can cause gaskets and seals to leak, can cause metal components to bend and warp and can even cause metal parts to fuse together and seize the engine if things get really, really hot.
It depends on the manufacturer. The old-school way was every three months, but with improvements to oil quality and engine materials, that interval can be pushed to anywhere between six and 12 months. Your owner`s manual will detail the interval.
Conventional motor oil should be changed every 8,000 to 12,000 kilometres, but how often do you change synthetic oil? It is recommended that you have synthetic oil changed every 12,000 to 16,000 kilometres.
Using a 40 weight engine oil instead of 30 weight isn`t going to hurt the engine. It may, however, it may affect your oil consumption. 5w-40 could be a big jump in viscosity. You want an oil that is thin enough so that the oil doesn`t cost you power yet thick enough to protect your engine.
Most car engines are designed to handle 5w20 oil because this type of oil flows well when the engine reaches its operating temperature of 212 degrees. If 5w30 oil is used, the engine will encounter much more resistance at this stage which is not good for it.
Here`s the rundown for our purposes here: In a pinch, while it`s generally OK to use an oil that`s one viscosity rating higher or lower than what the manufacturer recommends, it`s best to use the viscosity given in the owner`s manual. When considering 5W-20 vs 5W-30, they are the same viscosity when the engine is cold.
In addition, many newer engines use thinner, lower-viscosity oil, such as 5W20 or 0W20 instead of, say, 10W30. Because these oils are thinner, it`s easier for them to slip past gaskets, seals and rings that have worn even slightly over time, thus increasing oil consumption.
Changing The Oil
It`s also advisable to start the engine and let it warm up for 2-3 minutes, as this helps the oil heat up and allows it to drain more easily. Before performing the service, you`ll need to acquire or prepare the following materials: A wrench. A new oil filter.
Does synthetic oil last longer than conventional oil? In general, yes, synthetic motor oil provides longer intervals between oil changes, but it depends on the brand of oil you use. Certain brands recommend you have your oil changed every 3000 or 5000 miles. Other recommendations range from 7500 to 20,000 miles.
The build-up
Over time, the oil gets too dirty to be effective which is the one of the main reasons it needs changed. In fact, if the oil is not changed, over time the entire engine will shut down and need replaced — a costly investment you surely want to avoid. This can cost thousands of dollars.
Answer: If your car uses conventional motor oil, such as 5W30 or 10W30, we recommend changing the oil every 3,000 miles or 3 months. If your car uses synthetic oil, we recommend an oil change every 5,000 miles or 6 months.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Check Engine light on. Would the computer give all error codes in one shot? How do we know the engine’s condition?
ANSWER : Hi there. From the description you have provided, I’m am inclined to agree with your assessment of a used engine being installed in your vehicle. An inspection of the engine, by a qualified technician could determine whether the engine is sound. The Check Engine Light on and having a TPS (throttle position sensor) code does not necessarily mean the sensor is at fault. Circuit tests should be performed to confirm the fault. The likelihood of the ECM (electronic control module/computer) giving you all the codes at once is remote. Other component failures could occur. Address those as they come up. Even though you already made the purchase, I recommend having your vehicle inspected by a certified technician so that you can get a thorough evaluation of the car’s true condition.
Read Full Q/A … : Possible damage to engine due to previous owners error
Possible damage to engine due to previous owners error
ANSWER : This is the first time in my 30 plus years as a master mechanic I have ever heard of someone flushing the engine oil with a garden hose. Are you sure the previous owner did not open the radiator drain and flush out the cooling system? The cooling system flush with a hose would be okay to flush out excessive debris from the cooling system. If the hose was put into oil crankcase then all the water may have washed out all the bearing from having oil in them and then when fresh oil was put in there would be water still left over and engine bearings may have been damaged when started.
Read Full Q/A … : Possible damage to engine due to previous owners error
Can front wheel drive car engine power rear wheel drive
ANSWER : Anything is possible with enough engineering. The changes you are looking at would take major structural changes and would definitely not be an easy job. You could possibly consult a manufacturing engineer to get more details on how this could actually be carried out and whether it would be feasible.
Read Full Q/A … : Possible damage to engine due to previous owners error
is there any way possible a clogged untake before air filter or a bad pcv can ever lead to rod damage in the engine
ANSWER : Hello. I have seen similar things happen with this engine before. Typically it has nothing to do with the PCV valve though. Majority of the time it was because a rod bearing was failing. Once the vehicle was turned off, it spun the bearing and then the noise occurred. The most common reason that I have come across for this issue is a failing catalytic converter. This can cause excessive pressure and even debris to back up into the engine which can cause it to lock and bend a rod. This can be an expensive repair. If you needed a second opinion, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to your home or office to diagnose the knocking you’re experiencing with the vehicle.
Read Full Q/A … : Possible damage to engine due to previous owners error
Check engine light refuses to go off after engine replaced
ANSWER : Hello there, you have a long series of issues going on with your 2013 Hyundai Sonata. If you keep getting a repeating oil light on than there is likely a fault in that system.
Since this fault has lasted after the engine was replaced it could be a oil pressure sensor, wiring harness fault, ECU fault, oil pump, oil strainer clogged, or low oil pressure.
To diagnose this issue properly you need a complete vehicle inspection to start from square one and identify the root cause of all this.
Read Full Q/A … : Possible damage to engine due to previous owners error
How do you replace the rear & side engine mounts without lifting out the engine? & how do you lift the engine out?
ANSWER : Hi…thank you for your questions. If required in the application, a portable engine support bar is used to support an engine during mount replacement. The support bar has lifting capability as well so that the mount can be unloaded and removed. If a particular repair application requires a "crane" (complete engine removal for instance), such are portable these days in any event. With regard to the exhaust system repair, mechanics use ramps to gain access. Six ton portable jack stands will safely support a car two feet into the air which provides more than enough access to repair or replace any exhaust system component. If you desire replacement of the mounts, please refer to YourMechanic’s motor mount replacement service page. For exhaust leaks, please use the exhaust system inspection/repair page page. Once on each of those service pages, if you click on "Get a Quote" and enter your vehicle information (year, make, model) you can obtain cost info and schedule the service. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
Read Full Q/A … : Possible damage to engine due to previous owners error
Hey Allen. I just rebuilt (?) the engine on my 06 Acura TL. Now the engine line went on. They told me the engine? can blow up if I
ANSWER : Hi there. I think it may be a good idea to find a new mechanic. Fortunately, our mobile mechanics are able to complete most diagnostic inspections and complete a lot of repairs services at your location, and on your schedule. In what you are describing above, the current issue seems to be with your EVAP system, which is designed to relieve pressure in the fuel tank and also collect harmful vapors before they escape into the air. Now, in regards to the car "blowing up"; that’s a bit dramatic, but it is important to have your issues repaired if it’s related to the EVAP system. Here is what I would recommend. Set up an appointment to have one of our mobile mechanics come to your location to complete a check engine light inspection – (click here to set up an appointment). This will allow them to download the stored error codes that cause the light to illuminate and determine what parts need repair or replacement. Then, they’ll be better prepared to provide you with a repair estimate and complete the repairs in most cases for you.
Read Full Q/A … : Possible damage to engine due to previous owners error
Hi, I got my corolla 2012 engine overheated due to bad radiator, I replaced the radiator but the engine pick is not the same.
ANSWER : Hi There,
Depending on how severe the engine overheating before was, this may have resulted in a blown head gasket or a head gasket that may have partially caused a cylinder leak. When this happens, this can cause the compression in any given cylinder to drop as a result of the cylinder head gasket being damaged. As the gasket leaks and cylinder pressure (or compression) drops, this will result in a loss of power. A blown head gasket may cause a number of different symptoms. A head gasket that fails between cylinders will generally cause a misfire and potentially compression leaks from one cylinder into another. Low compression will eventually result in a rough idling engine. When the head gasket fails between a cylinder and the coolant port, coolant may leak into the cylinder causing it to be burnt with the fuel charge in the combustion chamber. This often results in misfires on startup, especially after the engine is run, turned off and restarted. I would suggest having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect your vehicle to determine what the proper diagnosis may be.
Depending on how severe the engine overheating before was, this may have resulted in a blown head gasket or a head gasket that may have partially caused a cylinder leak. When this happens, this can cause the compression in any given cylinder to drop as a result of the cylinder head gasket being damaged. As the gasket leaks and cylinder pressure (or compression) drops, this will result in a loss of power. A blown head gasket may cause a number of different symptoms. A head gasket that fails between cylinders will generally cause a misfire and potentially compression leaks from one cylinder into another. Low compression will eventually result in a rough idling engine. When the head gasket fails between a cylinder and the coolant port, coolant may leak into the cylinder causing it to be burnt with the fuel charge in the combustion chamber. This often results in misfires on startup, especially after the engine is run, turned off and restarted. I would suggest having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect your vehicle to determine what the proper diagnosis may be.
Read Full Q/A … : Possible damage to engine due to previous owners error
