i did a bad bad thing

liberty man · Post by **liberty man** » Thu Feb 28, 2013 11:31 am

hi all, just a quick one to see peoples thoughts,

i have a 1998 liberty sedan with ej22, did a service everything running really well, got it with 345,000k's but had work done at 275,000.

I changed all the oils in motor, drained the gearbox and then topped the wrong filler up. I put all the gearbox oil into the engine sump:sad:, i started the car and a mass of white smoke started and the auto gearbox wouldn't select very well, i took it down the drive and then back up (100m), realising what i had done. I switched it off and drained all the oil in the motor and replaced oil filter, topped the gearbox with gearbox oil (this still works good) and topped up engine oil with new filter, it still runs but now there is a knock in the engine, i feel that it may be the oil pump as at low revs and if i put oil through the oil filler cap it seems to dissapear somewhat, but at higher revs it is louder.

any thoughts? I can't believe I did that:mad:

Post by **Alex** » Thu Feb 28, 2013 2:26 pm

killed your main bearings most likely!

easiest and cheapest thing would be to find a second hand motor and do a swap.

alex

Venom · Post by **Venom** » Thu Feb 28, 2013 3:14 pm

I'd drain it again and put another lot of fresh oil through it.

liberty man · Post by **liberty man** » Thu Feb 28, 2013 4:51 pm

Do you think it is worth changing the oil pump, to see if that solves it? It probably needs a new timing belt now anyway and can do that at the same time,

i wasn't thinking of an engine replacement at this stage but if I was going to put a new engine I think i would replace with a legacy ej20tt that a mate has with 120,000kms on clock

Post by **Alex** » Thu Feb 28, 2013 5:15 pm

id get the knock diagnosed properly before you spend anymore money on it.

If its knocking due to bearings, the motor may still last a little while, but theres a significant chance it'll die quickly.

Ive heard of subarus throwing pistons out through fenders (unsure of the validity of this though!)

of course im talking about the worst possible outcome though, some other people will pipe up and give you some other ideas.

alex

Brumby Kid · Post by **Brumby Kid** » Thu Feb 28, 2013 5:25 pm

I like the idea of the mates EJ Twin Turbo.
Doubt that your engine is beyond repair.

Cheers Cam

AlpineRaven · Post by **AlpineRaven** » Thu Feb 28, 2013 6:03 pm

How long did you have the engine running with gearbox oil in it? the white smoke would be residue from the cylinders as the gearbox oil is thick and not enough to 'wipe' it down from the rings. (surely you put gearbox oil in the front diff and automatic transmission fluid as well?!?!?) (as there is two dipsticks on the gearbox one on the left and right side of the gearbox.

If you didnt run the engine for long enough it should be ok, I would run the oil through and drain it and put fresh oil in - gearbox oil is thick and would take a while to get out.
Cheers
AP

YouTube · Post by **El_Freddo** » Thu Feb 28, 2013 7:04 pm

AlpineRaven wrote:I would run the oil through and drain it and put fresh oil in - gearbox oil is thick and would take a while to get out.

AP, it's auto fluid!

I would say that you have shot your big end bearings. The oil pump may have issues but ultimately if there's knocking there at low revs your big ends are damaged.

If you can get a gauge to look at your oil pressure. At op temp mine sits near 40 psi, at cruise it's ~60psi. When cold and I'm cruising it'll be over 80psi!

Remember with the TT conversion there's quite a bit of wiring involved - it's not just a drop in, hook everything up and off you go! Otherwise I think a lot of people would have turbo EJs!

Cheers

Bennie

WeeGee · Post by **WeeGee** » Thu Feb 28, 2013 9:40 pm

If nothing else your engine will be nice and clean inside now...

liberty man · Post by **liberty man** » Fri Mar 01, 2013 10:53 am

Cheers guys,

thanks for your suggestions, I will have a mechanic diagnose the knock. and make decision on the outcome

if its oil pump will replace this for now, if its the bearings I will start the transplant process.

i understand it is not straight forward for the turbo conversion, but I do have an auto electrician friend with a nice new workshop and everything you could need to do the job. so maybe its worth giving a go

If I go down this path I will post photos as I go for all interested parties

NachaLuva · Post by **NachaLuva** » Fri Mar 01, 2013 11:51 am

Good luck. Lets hope there's not too much damage...

YouTube · Post by **El_Freddo** » Sat Mar 02, 2013 9:38 pm

When will it be at the mechanics so we can know what they reckon?

Cheers

Bennie

RSR 555 · Post by **RSR 555** » Sun Mar 03, 2013 9:51 pm

If you've put the engine under any load whilst the Auto Trans Fluid was inside, then you can be sure it has Big End Bearing damage. How much will be depending on how much oil pressure you have when you have normal oil back in it. I would also recommend sticking in some thicker grade and check your pressure.

AlpineRaven · Post by **AlpineRaven** » Mon Mar 04, 2013 10:19 am

Whats the update?
Cheers
AP