Q: Turned key to crank engine then realized it has no oil. Do you think it seized or is it ok

asked by on October 07, 2017

I drained the oil, then began disassembling the engine in order to replace intake and head gaskets. Once ready to remove the fuel rail & injectors, I first had to relieve the pressure in the fuel system. To do so I removed the gas cap & the fuel pump fuse and turned the key to Start the engine, letting it burn off what fuel was in the lines. BUT!!!!! After two turns of the key without the engine turning over I then remembered the engine is still empty of oil. At the same time as my realization I heard a quick ching\chunk metallic sound. The engine had only gotten 4-5 turn over strokes in before hand and never actually started. Do you think since it was just cranking It wouldn't have damaged anything? Or is it very likely the engine seized up and needs rebuilt? I feel like a damn idiot for such a stupid mistake....

My car has 169000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

If you just cranked over the engine a few times with no oil in it would not cause any issues except you would not have any oil to timing chain tensioners and may have caused the timing chain to jump or bent a valve in the process. I would continue to remove the heads as you were doing and then you can manually turn the crankshaft to see if it turns freely and then check tops of pistons for valve contact and damage?

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Can't remove keys from ignition and car will now shift out of park without pressing on the brakes. What is wrong with my car?
Your shifter has a cable that will go up to the ignition to allow the ignition to turn full to lock position and you can remove the key. The problem is that the cable is not moving in the center...
Car begins to decelerate and lose power as im driving.
Hi there. The most common cause of this on your car is either a restriction in the exhaust caused by a failing catalytic converter, or a fuel system issue. Low fuel pressure will cause this and that would typically be...
Squeaking metallic sound when turning
Thank you for the detailed information, it helps! The front driver side is where the majority of the steering (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services) components are located. Start by checking the power steering fluid. The best option is to raise the vehicle and inspect...
No start and no crank. I hear a noise from one of the relays - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
Depending on the type of noise you hear, this may be related to the starter relay or starter solenoid. The starter solenoid is a small unit on the starter that has internal electrical contacts that transmit electricity to the starter....
Jeep has no power power when driving forward
Hi there. If the engine is revving fine but the vehicle is not moving then it sounds like you have a transmission that is slipping. When this occurs the transmission will usually needs to be rebuilt or replaced. If the...
I've replaced everything from tie rods, upper and lower ball joints, the whole cv axle including cv joints and boots, and I'm stil
Hello, thank you for writing in. The noise you are hearing may be a result of a wheel bearing or a shock issue. There are several tests that can be done while the vehicle is parked, and some while it...
Is the power steering pressure hose the same as thr power steering pump
The power steering pump and pressure hose for the power steering are two separate parts. The pump may be damaged from running the system low on fluid from a leaking pressure hose. You may have to replace both of them....
Rough idle, no power in low gears , hesitation and very poor gas mileage with p0300, p0420 and p0455 codes
Hi There, These codes are more than likely related to each other and causing the misfiring that is a result of code P0300. Code P0420 relates to the catalyst system being inefficient, which is usually the cause of a catalytic...
HORRIBLE vibration @ any speed 2000 corolla VE. had shocks struts replaced. recent clank when changing P,R N D. not tires.
A loud noise (clank, clunk and so forth) upon shifting is sometimes caused by a faulty CV axle, particularly the outer CV joint but there could be contributing factors such as worn motor mounts. Worn motor mounts can also contribute...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Chrysler 300
The The Chrysler 300 is a large luxury sedan that looks great, handles well, and has more power than many realize. Chrysler was once one of the biggest automakers in the world, and with this vehicle, they showed that they...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You’re a Massage Therapist
If If you're a massage therapist, one of the cornerstones of your business has to be that you don’t keep your clients waiting. That means you need a vehicle that’s reliable. You also will have to move your gear, including...
Understanding the Chrysler Oil Change Indicator and Service Indicator Lights
Car symbols, or dashboard lights, are a car service reminder. The Chrysler Oil Change Indicator lets you know when and what service your car needs.