Lost oil filler cap - did do any damage?

Asked by Bigugly Sep 28, 2013 at 10:10 PM about the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox 1LT AWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have 2011Equinox - bought couple months ago. I like to do as much  as I can on my
own. Oil changes / brakes /small stuff. I wanted to detail engine. (a clean engine is a
happy engine). While was there did the front spark plugs. (V6) Used Mobil 1 mileage
0/30. Thought had put oil cap on. Must not have not tighten it. Went on lengthy weekend
ride. 450 + miles. Get home -was going to check level. No oil filler cap! Noticed on trip it
wanted to shift down on normal hills. Seemed to use more gas. What potential damage
might  have done. Got  new cap at O'Reillys - noticed immediate change. Anything I
should watch for.  Thanks

3 Answers
3,400

wlogan answered 11 years ago

as long as you didn't blow the oil out, it should return to normal now that the cap is back in place.

1 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful
47,835

Racer_X answered 11 years ago

You were VERY fortunate indeed! The oil cap must be been just on tight enough for most of your journey of 450+ miles. Had it worked it way loose or knocked out of place due to oil pressure, you just might be looking at a seized engine and the prospects of having to buy a new one.....Almost happened to my GF when the idiot mechanic forget to put the oil cap back on after an oil change some years back...oil pressure forced most of the oil out all over the engine...The store manger & service manager who were BOTH fired not too long after that, agreed to steam clean the engine and replace the oil for free (of course)..but no damage with the engine..Thank God!

2 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful

Bigugly answered 11 years ago

Thanks for your help. Oil level fine/clean. There is a defector baffle that might have helped keep oil in? I won't do that again! lol

Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

Equinox

Looking for a Used Equinox in your area?

CarGurus has 2,984 nationwide Equinox listings starting at $2,900.

Postal Code:

Shortcuts

Search Chevrolet Equinox Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    David Scott
    Reputation
    3,160
  • #2
    GuruY6BYD
    Reputation
    3,100
  • #3
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    2,720
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chevrolet Traverse
38 Great Deals out of 553 listings starting at $3,995
Used GMC Terrain
67 Great Deals out of 2,355 listings starting at $2,500
Used Honda CR-V
88 Great Deals out of 4,543 listings starting at $440
Used GMC Acadia
29 Great Deals out of 587 listings starting at $4,495
Used Toyota RAV4
96 Great Deals out of 2,713 listings starting at $2,500
Used Ford Edge
81 Great Deals out of 2,076 listings starting at $2,950
Used Ford Escape
136 Great Deals out of 4,951 listings starting at $2,795
Used Chevrolet Tahoe
11 Great Deals out of 891 listings starting at $12,900
Used Nissan Rogue
150 Great Deals out of 5,472 listings starting at $2,200
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
222 Great Deals out of 5,872 listings starting at $2,975
Used Chevrolet Malibu
59 Great Deals out of 1,090 listings starting at $1,495
Used Ford Explorer
78 Great Deals out of 2,100 listings starting at $3,995

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.