Running an M273 low on oil
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 153
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, CA
2013 Altima, 2011 E550
Running an M273 low on oil
I'll lose massive reputation for asking this but what's done is done at this point.
Just caught it now. Was 2-2.5qts low (9qt capacity)
Last change was 7,000 miles ago; I intended a 5,000 mile interval but budget has been tight going into the holidays.
Last change used LiquiMoly's 5W-40 kit from FCPEuro.
2qts of Castrol Edge Euro 5W-40 brought it up to the minim line, another half a quart to the middle.
My curiosity is, since the engine runs, should I stop using it until I boroscope/compression test the engine so as to prevent potential catastrophic failure and make the block non-rebuildable?
Just caught it now. Was 2-2.5qts low (9qt capacity)
Last change was 7,000 miles ago; I intended a 5,000 mile interval but budget has been tight going into the holidays.
Last change used LiquiMoly's 5W-40 kit from FCPEuro.
2qts of Castrol Edge Euro 5W-40 brought it up to the minim line, another half a quart to the middle.
My curiosity is, since the engine runs, should I stop using it until I boroscope/compression test the engine so as to prevent potential catastrophic failure and make the block non-rebuildable?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,414
Likes: 339
From: Charlotte, NC
Had: 1987 300TD, Had: 2004 C230 Sport Sedan, Have: 2014 E350 Sport, Have: 2019 S450
What would you do differently if a boroscope shows damage?
At this point damage has occurred, or it hasn’t.
Damage would come from a loss of oil pressure, not a loss of level. If you didn’t notice anything amiss, you’ve likely dodged a bullet.
I would consider changing the oil as soon as possible, as you may have stressed the oil while it was low (higher turnover rate, and likely higher oil temp). Changing it out will ensure that you have full protection going forward.
At this point damage has occurred, or it hasn’t.
Damage would come from a loss of oil pressure, not a loss of level. If you didn’t notice anything amiss, you’ve likely dodged a bullet.
I would consider changing the oil as soon as possible, as you may have stressed the oil while it was low (higher turnover rate, and likely higher oil temp). Changing it out will ensure that you have full protection going forward.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 153
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, CA
2013 Altima, 2011 E550
What would you do differently if a boroscope shows damage?
At this point damage has occurred, or it hasn’t.
Damage would come from a loss of oil pressure, not a loss of level. If you didn’t notice anything amiss, you’ve likely dodged a bullet.
I would consider changing the oil as soon as possible, as you may have stressed the oil while it was low (higher turnover rate, and likely higher oil temp). Changing it out will ensure that you have full protection going forward.
At this point damage has occurred, or it hasn’t.
Damage would come from a loss of oil pressure, not a loss of level. If you didn’t notice anything amiss, you’ve likely dodged a bullet.
I would consider changing the oil as soon as possible, as you may have stressed the oil while it was low (higher turnover rate, and likely higher oil temp). Changing it out will ensure that you have full protection going forward.
Can't thank you enough for your reply, especially how you worded it and the insight your experience allows.
I'll not drive it until I can service it and will cut open and inspect the filter when I do. Happy to report back with photos so that those who might see this in the future see the result.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 153
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, CA
2013 Altima, 2011 E550
So now I know the sensor exists, I will make sure I test that it's functioning correctly. Thank you so much for this!!
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 601
Likes: 285
From: Republic of Texas
W203 W212 W211 R53MCS
@mgiara You should be perfectly fine with the engine being low 2qts low. we get cars like this all the time. Your engine takes about 8.5liters so being low 2 will not hurt anything. You should have had the low oil message on at that level.
