no oil on dipstick

[spyderdrifter]

Before anyone gets the idea that I don't know how to add oil when there's none on the stick, don't think it. Was driving home yesterday because I left work for being sick, and the spyder shut down on the highway. It cranked, but wouldn't start up again. Turned out to be a wire connector. However, I checked my oil and there was none on the dipstick. Even though I know the oil pressure gauge isn't accurate, it did read good pressure. There are no oil leaks on my engine at all, and I know for damn surely I put oil in it before dropping the engine back in the car. Anyone have ideas to this issue? I did a search but couldn't end useful info. Thanks.

[GRAVEDIGGER]

Soooo.... Top it off and continue to monitor it for a while to see if it continues to use oil. If there is nothing on the stick, you'll be safe starting with a quart and hopefully that is enough to get it up where it needs to be. Good luck.

[spyderdrifter]

Yeah, I did fill it up, and watching progression now. Just weird that its gone. Thanks.

[GRAVEDIGGER]

Yeah, only way to lose it is to leak it, or burn it. Piston rings, valve stem seals, and turbo seals are the main areas of concern for burning/using oil.

[LiquidX]

When you park it consider putting newspaper or card board down to visually spot leaks easier.

You're can also get some one to drive behind you and monitor your exhaust under different conditions to see if it is smoking.

[spyderdrifter]

Yeah. One of my friends, who's a member on here, mentioned the cardboard idea. Just haven't done it yet. I thought about having someone follow me, but got moons that would be able to keep ip when I get on the throttle.

[black_gst]

did you do a motor swap recently? do you have the correct dipstick?

[spyderdrifter]

I did a complete rebuild. 7-bolt engine. I do have the correct dipstick. Had to buy a new one, old one was broken.

[LiquidX]

They don't need to keep up nor should you need to be speeding to check for burning oil.

[MJcanada]

if it was a fresh build then it probably burned it if it didn't leak it. During the time it took for the rings to seat properly though thats at least 1 1/2 2 quarts. you think if it burned you would know.

[spyderdrifter]

Yeah. I haven't seen any kind of smoke since I've been actively driving it. Got 400 miles on it now.

[WES_393]

What break-in method did you use? I went with something like Motoman and burnt/used a good half quart in the first 30 min. But otherwise I only need a small top-off between changes thanks to the piston/ring specs. So like others are saying, just make sure its not leaking or burning excessively.

[spyderdrifter]

I've driven it pretty much like described on Motoman's web page. I don't think I'm capable of prolonged easy driving. Too many retarded drivers out there to be stuck behind.

[WES_393]

Originally Posted by spyderdrifter

I've driven it pretty much like described on Motoman's web page. I don't think I'm capable of prolonged easy driving. Too many retarded drivers out there to be stuck behind.

I don't think people know what "defensive driving" is till they live in Colorado Springs.

[spyderdrifter]

I couldn't agree more on that ^

[JosephMiranda]

I doubt that much oil would be burnt on break in. Have you gotten under the car and checked for leaks on the oil pan or valve cover, oil return line? Thats where i wouldve started. Hope you fogure this problem out quick

[spyderdrifter]

Yes, I have looked at each of those areas. Still nothing.

[isantop]

Originally Posted by spyderdrifter

I couldn't agree more on that ^

Hey now, we have our fair share of retards here in Denver too! We get people that tailgate 2-3 feet behind your bumper, then when you left them around you they drive 5 under the speed limit.

[spyderdrifter]

Ha ha ha... I've been through that before. I was told by a co-worker who lives up there that traffic isn't too bad. I find it hard to believe since Denver's the capital.

[Rice2Nice]

May check the oil filter, this happend on an old car of mine. I changed the oil and the seal on the filter was bad and it leaked it all out.

[gstmine]

hay you should checked your turbo was it also replace when you rebuild you engine you just might be pushing oil out of the turbo

[spyderdrifter]

My turbo wasn't replaced during my rebuild. I have done an oil change and everything is back to normal.

[3kgt2nv]

on a new build oil has to fill everything like the filter and the oil cooler. normal for it to be low and need to be topped off. since you did an oil change just keep an eye on it.

also spend the 50 bucks and get a real oil pressure gauge

[spyderdrifter]

The oil pressure gauge will come in time. I have other little replacement parts I need to get first. I'm in no way blowing off the thought of getting that gauge, along with other 'more accurate than stock' gauges, but other parts have to come first unfortunately.