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sparsel
Novice
Jun 2, 2012, 6:31 PM
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2004 Cavalier - Knocking Engine
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Okay, so I have a 2004 Chevy Cavalier (2.0 L) with around 86K miles. It has been running fine and I changed the oil a couple of months ago. Today my wife was driving the car and she noticed a loud banging sound while idling and during acceleration. When she got home I checked the oil and found that it was virtually absent oil. This was odd to me because there has been no signs of leakage and it does not appear my car is burning off the oil. Also, the oil indicator did no turn on.
I replaced the oil and it is sounding a bit better but I think the damage is already done. It sounds like there is a problem with the engine from running it on virtually no oil. I took a video of the sound that may be helpful.
Any thoughts on what it may be?
You can view it here: http://youtu.be/m3gI1uebsFs
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jun 2, 2012, 7:16 PM
Post #2 of 9
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Re: 2004 Cavalier - Knocking Engine
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You're right. It's too late and that motor is toast. You might want to get in the habit of checking your oil a little more often and by the way, that light is not an oil level light. It's an emergency low pressure warning.
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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.
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sparsel
Novice
Jun 2, 2012, 8:58 PM
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Re: 2004 Cavalier - Knocking Engine
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So I am forced to buy a new engine? It sucks but I guess if that is the only way then that is what I have to do. That will cost me probably 5 grand or so? My fear is that there is something else wrong that would cause such a severe leak in my oil. I changed it in Marched and checked it in late April and it was full. So basically it went through 5 quarts in a month and a half. I don't want to waste 5 grand :-/
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Jun 2, 2012, 9:00 PM
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Re: 2004 Cavalier - Knocking Engine
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So, take it to a shop and have it checked out.
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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.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Jun 2, 2012, 9:26 PM
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Re: 2004 Cavalier - Knocking Engine
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That's what they make tow trucks for.
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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.
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nickwarner
Veteran
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Jun 5, 2012, 7:40 PM
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Re: 2004 Cavalier - Knocking Engine
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I check my oil every time I gas up. Its the only way to know if you are going through oil. When you don't do the due diligence of keeping an eye on a car and you get complacent that nothing has been wrong with it before it comes back to bite you in a very expensive way. I would recommend keeping a closer eye on your next motor. As HT said, its game over for this one. My condolences to your wallet. Popping the hood to look at the gas station is still free.
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sparsel
Novice
Jun 6, 2012, 12:32 AM
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Re: 2004 Cavalier - Knocking Engine
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Yeah, from now on I will be checking my oil quite frequently. I still don't know where 5 quarts of oil went in a month but I guess it doesn't matter at this point. I am looking for a new engine and fortunately I have a mechanic in the family for the installation. Hopefully this one will last me longer.
I do have another question that I posted in this forum about engines. If you could answer it that would be super helpful!
Thanks!
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Jun 6, 2012, 8:53 AM
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Re: 2004 Cavalier - Knocking Engine
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Make sure that the oil warning light works! Most will light up with just putting key in run position without engine running. Most are an icon of an oil can with a drop in RED. RED warnings mean serious biz. Most amber ones are still important but less drastic. Rare, but some oil leaks manage to leave no mess or evidence. Low oil warnings frequently spell it out like "Check Oil" and you probably don't have that,
T
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Long retired now
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