Did I just do a $10,000 oil change?

bassviking · #1 (**permalink**) 11-29-2011

I changed the oil in my Volvo MD2B yesterday. Didn't have the time to fire it up after as i had to go to work. Today when I started it for the first time since the change it made the most horrible screeching sounds. I immedietely shut it down and now wonder what the heck went wrong.

Could it be that since the block and fresh oil were both cold that the oil pump just isn't moving oil through the filter and "lines" for those few seconds when I heard the screeching?

I'm really hoping I didn't trash the engine. I finally got it running good yesterday before the oil change. Was really quite happy with it yesterday and my spirits were up. Today, the spirits are not up.

Jeff

kd3pc · #2 (**permalink**) 11-29-2011

depends on the "screech"...could have been a belt...

else lack of oil pressure can cause some major problems. Unless really cold, or wrong weight/viscosity that should have not been an issue.

Did you check the oil after the change and again before starting it today?

Oil in the bilge?

If not, I would take the belts off and make sure all attachments freely turn, then I would try and turn the engine by hand/wrench to make sure it is free and smooth...then proceed to more...
Details needed before more thoughts...

SloopJonB · #3 (**permalink**) 11-29-2011

Did you fill the filter before putting it on?

ggray · #4 (**permalink**) 11-29-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by SloopJonB

Did you fill the filter before putting it on?

All right now. Is it really necessary to fill the filter?

I've always done it, but after thinking about it a few years ago, I'm not convinced you do. Does oil flow under full pressure thru the filter before it flows to the critical lube points? I would think it flows through the engine passageways first, and then goes thru the filter, in which case, filling the filter first shouldn't matter.

But I've been wrong before, so what's the consensus?

SloopJonB · #5 (**permalink**) 11-29-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by ggray

All right now. Is it really necessary to fill the filter?

I've always done it, but after thinking about it a few years ago, I'm not convinced you do. Does oil flow under full pressure thru the filter before it flows to the critical lube points? I would think it flows through the engine passageways first, and then goes thru the filter, in which case, filling the filter first shouldn't matter.

But I've been wrong before, so what's the consensus?

I'm only intimately familiar with the Chevy small block and in that engine the pump pushes through the perimeter of the filter, through the media and up the middle of the filter into the oil galleys. I suspect that is the usual path so clean oil is always being pumped but I'm not sure which way it gets pushed from the pump in your Volvo. No matter which direction it flows, an empty filter is going to have to get filled. If the engine is running it's going to get something akin to an embolism - a period of starvation while the filter fills up - it usually takes about 20% of the total volume in the filter. You can check it on any given engine quite easily. Start an engine before the change and see how quickly it builds oil pressure. Change the oil and filter without filling the filter and see how long THAT takes to build pressure. If it is noticeably longer, it pushes through the filter first. If it takes the same time as previously, you should see a dropoff in pressure shortly after the engine is running while it fills the filter.

MarkSF · #6 (**permalink**) 11-29-2011

The few seconds of no oil pressure it takes to fill the oil filter can't possibly have harmed the engine, or caused a loud screeching noise. If it did, Jiffy Lube would wreck every car they work on. Many cars oil filters can't be filled, as they are on their side.

Have you seen footage of them deliberately siezing an engine during the cash with clunkers scheme? It takes minutes of full throttle with the oil drained and salt water / sand solution added.

I suspect your fan belt is slipping for some reason. Did you get oil on it?

I personally would pre-fill an oil filter, it's good practice, but not doing it once will not destroy an engine.

Izzy1414 · #7 (**permalink**) 11-29-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by SloopJonB

I'm not sure which way it gets pushed from the pump but no matter which direction it flows, an empty filter is going to have to get filled. If the engine is running it's going to get something akin to an embolism - a period of starvation while the filter fills up - it usually takes about 20% of the total volume in the filter.

I have no experience nor have the specs for this engine but it shouldn't make a difference as long as the crankcase was filled with oil (minus the filter capacity) prior to start up. There should be plenty of crankcase capacity that it doesn't "starve" the engine, even if the 20% value is correct. Just run it for 30 or so seconds to allow the filter to fill, shut down, and top off. I came from the old school (filling filters on diesel truck engines) until I was notified by the manufacturers that it wasn't necessary. I suppose it wouldn't hurt to check with the manufacturer of your particular engine though.

bassviking · #8 (**permalink**) 11-29-2011

Alright, to clear the air, the filter was half fiilled (horizontal mount) with Delo 15w-40. Then 3 quarts of the Delo went into the crank case.
Yesterday the engine was working just fine before the oil change for 30 - 45 minutes under power in the slip. I ran it that way to test it after working on some fuel and cooling issues. Those issues seemed to be solved (and I actually permitted myself to think I might actually get to go out sailing soon).
Today I did the transmission and then tried cranking it up and got the screech. The only thing that changed between running really well yesterday and screeching today was the oil change. I will admit that it was my first oil change on a boat and oil probably did find its way to places it shouldn't have. There only belt on the thing is the belt running the alternator. Could oil on that cause the some screeching? Or could the tension be too high and maybe the bearings on the alternator are going out?

SlowButSteady · #9 (**permalink**) 11-29-2011

If the sound started immediately after you started the engine, my bet is that it's a loose belt. Maybe you spilled a drop or two on the belt or pulley during the oil change. Changing the oil should leave no less oil on all the bearings than they would have anytime the engine has been sitting for several days.

Edit:
Usually, engine/piston bearings that have gone bad make a knocking sound. They sound kinda like a little Gnome rapping on the engine block with a ball-peen hammer. A bad oil pump will often make a similar sound, albeit with a bit higher pitch (like the Gnome has a smaller hammer).

fiatracer163 · #10 (**permalink**) 11-30-2011

Did you put the drain plug back in?