Low oil pressure, shut off while driving, knocking, now will not start

STEVEN HORTON

MEMBER
2001 BUICK LESABRE
3.8L
6 CYL
2WD
121,000 MILES

This car sat for about a year. Oil had been like 2 quarts over filled. Drained some oil off to get level correct and would not start. Replaced starter and it fired right up. Drove it less than 50 miles and took to shop to have oil changed. Immediately after oil change it started sputtering and shaking and shut off. Shop did something got it started. Knocking and no power on acceleration. Once it gets going has more power but keeps knocking. Drove it 6 miles home and shut off on the way home while driving. It's not smoking and has new battery, starter, and spark plugs, and now won't start. It's odd to me it ran great until that oil change and now says low engine oil pressure.

1 Reply

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Good morning,

Did you change the oil prior to taking it to the shop? If you did not, the damage may have been done by driving it with the old oil. Sitting that long, the oil separates and no longer can lubricate the engine bearings correctly.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-car-engine-works

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-noises

Most likely the bearings are damaged in the motor. The oil pan will have to be removed and the bearings inspected for damage. Most likely the engine will have to be overhauled or replaced.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/high-or-low-engine-oil-pressure

I attached a YouTube video for you to view of the oil pan removal.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3j4g7gkm6I

Roy