A truck started with little to no oil?

Question

So tonight at my local oil change place they started my 2001 Sonoma before they filled the oil back up. It was probably on for around 10 seconds at most. I drove it for a while and checked the oil after. Oil is clear, there's no burning smell, no noticible change in acceleration or RPMs.

They were good about it, signed the invoice stating that they did this etc. but I assume that really would only have helped me had the engine died down the block. Does anyone know if I should be genuinely concerned in this case, given that it was only on briefly, and that it wouldn't have been completely dry?

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

I doubt any engine damage was done. There was still residual oil on the bearings and if it was only for 10 seconds than no damage was done. I've seen them go ALOT longer than that with no problems.

bigtendude · Answer

If it was done at a kwicky type oil change place, there should be no harm done, as long as they didn't rev the engine or drive it.  I believe that what you saw was that they were trying to get oil pressure built up before giving you completed vehicle back, they could also have been checking for any leaks.  Your oil would have to drain for at least a week, and then some to get all the oil completely out of the engine.  There is enough oil in upper part of engine that 10 seconds would not hurt it.

Lover not a Fighter · Answer

Back in 1985 a car magazine wanted to see what kind of damage driving with OUT oil do to an engine.  So they drove a bone dry TRANS AM (high performance engine) and it went 500 miles before the engine seazed.

So 10 second without oil...  That's almost like a cold start in winter morning.

Good Luck.

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casodders · Answer

In all reality it takes a bit of effort to damage an engine from low oil levels, especially at an idle.  Put it in the back of your mind and drive like normal.  The signed invoice is your insurance policy.

ERIC E · Answer

I would think that any damage that might have happened would not really show up right away.  It might have shortened the overall life span of the engine somewhat. I would keep an eye on the oil and how the truck runs. Good luck.

Anonymous · Answer

absolutley no damage has occured. there is always some oil in the engine, if ran for only 10 seconds at idle, no problem.

Anonymous · Answer

Is it creating loads of ticking noises while it is going to 0? If it does which capacity that's dropping stress and is the two a nasty pump or badly wore important bearings. if it does not that in the time of all probability capacity a sending unit.

Mr. KnowItAll · Answer

Idle for ten seconds?

Not a problem.
The oil film remaining on the friction surfaces protected them from wear.

Now, ten MINUTES, that would be a problem.

doug h · Answer

i pretty much agree with everyone else here. just ten seconds or so you should be OK. if the engine was only idling. good luck

Tyler S · Answer

as long as it was only on for 10 seconds and didnt undergo any high rpms, it should be fine, as long as it wasnt a brand new motor, witch it doesnt sound like

A truck started with little to no oil?

11 Answers