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Oil Light and Engine Noise problem


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mclark682
New User

Sep 24, 2016, 12:28 PM

Post #1 of 10 (1754 views)
Oil Light and Engine Noise problem Sign In

2005
Nissan
Altima
3.5 SE
120,000 miles

Hello, I recently drove my car and noticed the engine light on for the first time, I drove it less than three miles then checked the oil which looked low and added a quart. While I drove it originally my engine was making a noise that sounded like a dry whine which would increase in volume as the engine increased rpms. Now after adding oil the noise at idle is a lot quieter but comes back once I start driving. Any suggestions?


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Sep 24, 2016, 12:46 PM

Post #2 of 10 (1748 views)
Re: Oil Light and Engine Noise problem Sign In

Which warning - a red icon of an oil can or some amber check engine light? What do you mean you THINK
it was low? It was or it wasn't and if really low to make noise because of that was way too low.
Can't know what this is all if all of a sudden or what yet. Noise and a warning for right now means don't drive this until figured out what the problem is. Not enough info yet to know quite yet.


FYI - real low oil or low oil pressure you are lucky to get 3 miles out of anything! Red warning light pretty much mean shut engine off at once without delay as serious problems are detected,



T



(This post was edited by Tom Greenleaf on Sep 24, 2016, 12:50 PM)


mclark682
New User

Sep 24, 2016, 12:53 PM

Post #3 of 10 (1740 views)
Re: Oil Light and Engine Noise problem Sign In

Thanks for the response. The oil was low. The red oil can light is the light that is one. The check engine light is not on. The oil light has never come on before for the 5 years I've had the car. This is all of a sudden, car was fine the night before then all of a sudden this morning the light and noise show up.


mclark682
New User

Sep 24, 2016, 1:00 PM

Post #4 of 10 (1737 views)
Re: Oil Light and Engine Noise problem Sign In

Also I do have an appropriate code reader for my car and got the following 2 codes. P0011 and P0021. One of the possible causes of these codes says it could be the camshaft sensor which was recently replaced and the symptoms are not the same as they were when it needed to be replaced originally.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Sep 24, 2016, 1:11 PM

Post #5 of 10 (1735 views)
Re: Oil Light and Engine Noise problem Sign In

Understood. An oil leak could happen for assorted reasons and fast or oil pump quit but shouldn't show low oil over that. If low enough for a warning it was leaking and must have made evidence.


The noise about has to be engine killing itself and can in seconds to a couple minutes with no oil under pressure to lube it.


Now I can only suggest find out if you need to, tow it for finding why or quick tests if you can while enough oil to check oil pressure manually with a gauge not relying on the car and see it for just a couple seconds worth unless it comes up.


Things that happen by surprise most common include oil changes where two gaskets are still on may leak out right away or wait an unknown time. Crossed up drain plugs show dripping from time it was crossed up at an oil change usually.
A plain stone or something could punch a hole in oil filters or oil pan. Some oil pans can even rust out. Oil pressure sensing devices can leak fast on the list too.


Any reason why engine is without lube - none can take that for long and said seconds to a couple minutes if zero pressure can't all be exact but wildly serious.


The real question is are you going to tend to this or send it out as it can't be driven or run like this? It might have survived this or not and really don't know until it's checked for pressure while known properly filled.


Unfortunate but for now till more testing you don't know extent of damage or what caused the leak. If engine already too far gone you do need to know to make some choices on what to do next possibly needing a whole engine replacement the best choice,


T



Tom Greenleaf
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Sep 24, 2016, 1:23 PM

Post #6 of 10 (1729 views)
Re: Oil Light and Engine Noise problem Sign In

Didn't see your second post while typing the one saying oil low or no oil pressure for ANY reason is a total problem.
Oil sealing item for anything under oil pressure all possible.


About now codes aren't really meaningful as engine is about to or already done such self destruction anything is possible.


You actually need to be quite careful to even check and see if you can run this long enough (quick seconds) to find a non obvious leak source.


Recent work always a higher reason for something not right but can't know that - it must be seen and checked then find out if salvageable or not and can't be there this quickly,


T



Discretesignals
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Sep 24, 2016, 2:19 PM

Post #7 of 10 (1726 views)
Re: Oil Light and Engine Noise problem Sign In

P0011 and P0012 are VVT (variable valve timing) codes possibly caused by low oil pressure due to lack of oil. Have you checked for oil leaks? The VVT system relies on oil pressure to function properly. If the engine was ran without oil or or had no or low oil pressure, there is possible mechanical damage. Might want to have your vehicle checked out by your mechanic.

Find out what is making the noise, check for oil leaks or excessive oil consumption issue, and check oil pressure with a mechanical gauge.





Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.

(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Sep 24, 2016, 2:23 PM)


mclark682
New User

Sep 26, 2016, 1:36 PM

Post #8 of 10 (1693 views)
Re: Oil Light and Engine Noise problem Sign In

Update:

Had my car towed to my mechanic and he told me my motor is shot. The car is paid for but to me it still has value in a few places.

Two brand new tires
Two tires bought two years ago
Brakes and rotors new from last year
Exterior is still in great shape, no major rusting
Interior is good with just some stains on the carpet

What is the best way for me to go about still getting some value for this car? My mechanic told me for him to replace the motor it would be $3,600 which is well over the KBB value. Otherwise he told me to consider trying to find a buyer who would be willing to replace the motor himself, or selling it to a local "U-pull-it" for parts.

What do you recommend?


Hammer Time
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Sep 26, 2016, 1:57 PM

Post #9 of 10 (1690 views)
Re: Oil Light and Engine Noise problem Sign In

You have to face the fact that you will take a hit on the value. The damage has already been done.

You have to look at the rest of the car and the condition it's in. Forget the KBB. There is always a cost to owning a vehicle so spending more than the value in repairs is not always a bad decision. The determining factor is what you will have after replacing the motor. If the rest of the car is in decent, reliable condition, it may be worth putting a motor in. You can do a lot better on the price installing a used engine.. If the rest of the car isn't worth investing, then cut your losses and sell it as is.



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Sep 26, 2016, 9:36 PM

Post #10 of 10 (1680 views)
Re: Oil Light and Engine Noise problem Sign In

About the same suggestions. I'd probably go for a well checked out used engine. Forget KBB you are buying a car now with this one or not, so what would you get for the cost of fixing this one now essentially worth nothing? Go look if you wish at some under $4,000 vehicles and see what you find. Just did, not much till about 3X that,


T



(This post was edited by Tom Greenleaf on Sep 26, 2016, 9:39 PM)






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