Driving home over the weekend, my 4runner started to vibrate (sounded like an exhaust leak). Just as I turned off the stereo to hear the sound better, the engine started to lose power and the noise got louder. As I pulled off the road, the engine quit while it was making a very loud grinding sound (sounding like a chain).

This is on a 95 4runner, 22re that was rebuilt 22000km ago. I had been on a long fishing trip and traveled 650km there straight through with a couple hundred km when I was there. I was 200km into the trip when the failure happened.

I had it towed to local mechanic, and it seems that there was barely any oil in the engine - and he believes it is bearings/rod - the engine idols ok, but starts making the noise when accelerator is pushed.

So - what happened to the oil? There is no burning oil seen from the engine now and there are no visible leaks. The truck is barely driven, 6000k in the last year and had a synthetic oil change in October 09.

Any ideas on what may have caused the loss of oil?

I did not check the oil level before the trip - I assumed it was fine, considering I had the oil change less then 2000k ago.

I do not push the truck hard, keeping it under 3000rpm on the highway and do not drive it hard.

Could this be from a bad oil change where the oil wasn't filled properly?

I started looking at a replacement engine, based on the mechanics recommendation (I will be getting a second opinion tomorrow) anything else I should consider?

Could the garage that did the oil change be held liable? Any ideas about how I can test to see if there is another reason for the oil loss?

Thanks - I really appreciate any input -

 

Now thats thinkin with yer dipstick!...sounds like the tards forgot to put oil in it.

 

The oil change was far removed from the time it happened , so I think there not liable. M an a feel for you. I think the replacement engine is the way to go. Fix the one that comes out or part it out. Man good luck.

 

You'd have noticed bad engine noises a lot sooner than 2000k if they hadn't put enough oil in for the motor to blow the bottom end out Atleast, I would think so. And, man....I'll tell you, it's just so a good idea to keep an eye on oil levels. I check my vehicles almost everytime I leave the house. Nothing like being stranded to make for an inconvenience in the day. Anyway, are you sure not having a front end/timing chain issue? You can check the oil........or what's left of it.....by draining a bit and look for a copper tone in it. That would tell you if it's bearing related. Of course, the way to check the timing assembly is by pulling the valve cover and looking behind the timing cover. Where the oil went? Well, good question if it was there in the first place. But, low oil levels will certainly make the front end go prematurely.

 

One good thing about a drip drip leak at the oil pump is that Its checked daily. Dang.

 

Sludge

 

Out os sight , out of mind. It happens.

 

Sludge is what killed our Buddies 22RE recently. Though the lack of oil is certainly worry-worthy...