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.

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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!

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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

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