Run on low oil

[jmfrost]

I have a question about running with low oil. Have a 2001 Merc 5.7L EFI. Changed the oil on her last winter, per spec, with Merc oil. I put about 20 hours on it since that change. Drained the oil yesterdayand noticed I was about 1 - 1.5 qts short, maybe not that much since there was still oil in the filter. I'm not entirely lazy and do periodically check the oil level, but in my defense, the Merc oil color blends so well with the dipstick and thin that I really struggle with reading the oil levels. Anyway, could I have done any major damage during this time? I'm certain it wasn't this low all summer and could have only been running it this low recently. I thought there was a problem that it was burning oil, but according to manual it seems normal as it says it burns more oil with speed.

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: Run on low oil

As long as you never got low on OIL PRESSURE You should be fine IMO

 

[Bondo]

Re: Run on low oil

Anyway, could I have done any major damage during this time?

Nope, probably Not...
The filter holds between a 1/2 qt., 'n a qt.
The Add line on the dipstick is 1 qt. low...
More than a couple qt.s low, Then maybe some damage can occur...

 

[jmfrost]

Re: Run on low oil

Thanks for setting my mind at ease! There was probably about a 1/2 quart in the filter. I constantly check gauges while in use and haven't noticed any issues with oil pressure. No alarms either, but I'm not sure if I have a low pressure alarm, I do for gear lube though. I was just worried about internal damage caused by friction from less lubricant circulating.

 

[Aloysius]

Re: Run on low oil

If you had constant oil pressure, the same amount of lubricant was circulated. Even the loss of pressure for a few seconds won't hurt anything.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Run on low oil

I was just worried about internal damage caused by friction from less lubricant circulating.

no point in worrying. that won't do any good. if damage is done, it's done, if not, ya dodged the bullet (hopefully the case) however ya could turn the worry into something positive and from now on, check your oil level prior to every start up.

4 strokes do use some oil naturally.

i check my oil every time i go out. not only to be sure the oil level is in the proper range, but to be sure it's not overfull too. like in water ingestion. on a boat, even more so than a car i feel it's a great idea to check your oil...

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: Run on low oil

I really dont think you had any less lubricant circulating. As long as your oil pick up tube stayed submerged in oil It should be pumping the same GPM thru your engine. Just like if you were drinking water out of a glass with a straw. You are gonna be getting the same amount of water wheather there is 5 oz [qts] or 3 oz [qts] in the glass. Its just whan you get down to the end that you start suckn air and gettn thirsty...If your engine really started starving for oil. Itll get hot ,noisy, low Oil press. lifters will start clattering as they lose oil.
I knew a girl [yep...blond] sorry sorry! driving a chev cavalier with oil light on, and making all sorts of noise. She said it took over 4 1/2 qts to fill back up A year later she was still driving it...

 

[jmfrost]

Re: Run on low oil

In case I forgot to mention...you guys rock! This forum rocks!

Ziggy, I do peridocally check, just maybe not every outing. I'm going to have to figure out another method of checking though. Like I said, the oil is so light in color and thin that it's VERY hard to get what I feel is an accurate reading. Wonder if I can replace my dipstick with one that is a darker color?!?!

Paul...wonder if we knew the same girl? I have been told that the newer Ford and Chevy trucks are so tight on tolerances that there is no margin of error on oil with them.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Run on low oil

I put about 20 hours on it since that change.

Like I said, the oil is so light in color and thin that it's VERY hard to get what I feel is an accurate reading. Wonder if I can replace my dipstick with one that is a darker color?!?!

there's a cure for that.

use the boat more. the oil will get darker with more use....

in your defense though. i do understand what yer saying though. a fresh oil change i also find sometimes hard to read on the stick. ya gotta catch the light just right and have a clean stick... imho, this is an excuse to use the boat more...

 

[jmfrost]

Re: Run on low oil

there's a cure for that.

use the boat more. the oil will get darker with more use....

I hear ya' on that one man!!! Tried to get 'er out for a little while today, but just couldn't get out long enough...IMO.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Run on low oil

I can't believe you cannot see brand new oil on a dip stick. Perhaps at 1-1/2 quart or more low it doesn't show on the stick. If that's the case you need to really pay attention. It takes a matter of seconds to pull the stick, wipe it off, insert it, pull and HOLD IT HORIZONTAL. The level is obvious. If you can't see the oil on the stick you should not leave the dock.

 

[cr2k]

Re: Run on low oil

Pull the dip stick out and lay it on a paper towel. The oil will wick off at what ever level it is at and be easy to determine.

 

[elkhunter338]

Re: Run on low oil

You did no damage. I have seen engines run with no oil on the dip stick when they come into the shop and as long as oil pressure is maintained you are fine.
I check my oil almost every morning. My method of leaving dock in the morning is.
1. look for leaks in the bilge, smell for gas.
2. check engine antifreeze level
3. check oil level.
4. Make sure i have full tanks of fuel
5. Make sure boat is running fine and no weird noises.
Off fishing I go. I go 5-20 miles out in the ocean so prechecks in my mind are critical.

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: Run on low oil

I can't believe you cannot see brand new oil on a dip stick. Perhaps at 1-1/2 quart or more low it doesn't show on the stick. If that's the case you need to really pay attention. It takes a matter of seconds to pull the stick, wipe it off, insert it, pull and HOLD IT HORIZONTAL. The level is obvious. If you can't see the oil on the stick you should not leave the dock.

LOL Just curious... Are you saying if he cant see oil on the dipstick he shouldnt leave the dock because...

1 there is no oil in the engine and he will do damage ? or

2 He is blind and has no business on the water cuz he is a hazard to safe boating ?

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Run on low oil

in my defense, the Merc oil color blends so well with the dipstick and thin that I really struggle with reading the oil levels.

I know others are busting your chops... but I have to admit I have the same problem.

It's the nature of the beast with fresh oil. Wipe and read it a few times - hold it at the right angle to the light - etc, I can eventually get a good read, but some dipsticks seem to be harder to read than others. They seem to pick up stray oil on the sides easier at times.

 

[IES99]

Re: Run on low oil

If you hurt anything it wasn't from being 1.5 quarts low. I bet a large percentage of the engines out on the road (or water) now are at least a quart low. You would have known if your valves weren't being oiled, they get very noisy quickly.

Be happy, don't worry.

 

[jmfrost]

Re: Run on low oil

I know others are busting your chops... but I have to admit I have the same problem.

It's the nature of the beast with fresh oil. Wipe and read it a few times - hold it at the right angle to the light - etc, I can eventually get a good read, but some dipsticks seem to be harder to read than others. They seem to pick up stray oil on the sides easier at times.

Well, I hope nobody is being judgmental, because as someone who has worked in IT for over 15 years I bet I can list off things that the majority of people aren't doing with their computers, but should be. But I don't exactly tell them not to use their computer because they're too stupid. For those that do...I hope those glass houses are as sturdy as they are pretty. I can guarantee that I am much more diligent about upkeeping my boat than the majority of people I see at the ramp at my lakes. I'm here to learn about this stuff and ask that the courtesy be extended by helping me learn, not preach to me.

That being said, thanks for the words of support and encouragement. Cr2k...I really like your paper towel idea. I do keep a roll of shop towels on board, so I'll defenitely keep that tip in mind. I do take multiple reads, but that d@#n dipstick is so shiney. I keep bilge squeaky clean in the off-chance that something is leaking I can spot it right away.

Elk, I did a stint in the Navy back in the 80's. Based on some of the rough sea's I've seen in the Med...I bet every precaution is always on your mind. But I bet it's worth it most the time!

 

[sasto]

Re: Run on low oil

JMFrost.....I've never been able to get all the oil out of any motor. Like some have said....your good...in my opinion.....Keep your maintenance up and hopefully you will always have a hard time seeing the oil on your dipstick.

 

[jmfrost]

Re: Run on low oil

JMFrost.....I've never been able to get all the oil out of any motor. Like some have said....your good...in my opinion.....Keep your maintenance up and hopefully you will always have a hard time seeing the oil on your dipstick.

Thanks man! I know I'm probably just being a little paranoid, but hopefully that just goes to show how diligent I am in taking proactive measures, rather reactive. Like someone mentioned earlier, I've known a, "blonde," cough, cough, or two that have run cars for years without ever changing the oil.