I have a 2002 Outback VDC Sedan, 3.0 H6 with 128,000 miles. I was changing my oil a few days ago. The engine was a normal operating temperature. As the oil was draining, I decided to check the automatic transmission fluid, forgetting that I was draining the oil (!). I started the engine, shifted through the gears and checked the fluid level, which was a bit high. I turned engine off, drained a bit of transmission fluid and started engine and checked fluid level once again. When checking the transmission fluid, the engine remained at idle for a couple of minutes each time. There were no unusual noises while I was checking the transmission fluid. I finally realized that I had been ran the engine before refilling the oil. I was in shock.I immediately put the oil drain plug back on, changed the filter, and refilled with oil. On restarting the engine, I heard the lifters refilling for about a second, but this time they were much louder than normal, of course. I then started checking over the whole engine listening for any odd sounds of disaster, but everything sounded normal. I took the car out for a short drive very carefully (and nervously)... everything appeared to be OK. Later that evening, I took the car out for a longer drive, and again everything seemed OK. No unusual noises, or performance issues. Water temp normal, etc. I've since put about 400 miles on the car, oil levels normal, temps normal, performance same. The only noises from the engine are the lifters clattering a bit, the same as they were doing before I changed the oil. I realize I am stupid for having done this, but what does everyone think about any damage I might have done to the engine? Any recommendations about what I should do at this point? Thanks, John
- posted
13 years ago