Questions and Answers

Cutlass Ciera Throws A Rod Q. Dear Sir, I have an 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera, carburetor, automatic transmission, 6 cylinder, P/S, cruise control, A/C, brakes and a steering wheel. I'm a 43 year old female with car problems and looking for honest, reliable answers. I hope you might be able to give me some insight on my dilemma.

Motor uses oil and there was a lot of oil around the engine. First thing I learned, my boyfriend tightened up the bolts on the top of the engine cover, no more leaking. But oil has been (so it looks) clear up in the air filter. I have had mechanics tell me I was in need of serious motor work, but I did not have the cash. At the time I was trying to take care of a family of 5.

But as time prevails and trying to keep a close eye on oil usage, which seemed to be doing better after bolts were tightened I was going to the city when oil light came on. I did not pull immediately off the road, just heading that direction when I heard this PING type sound like something just shoot from underneath the car. When I came to a full stop, engine was hot.

I had an extra quart of oil , because I had checked it prior and oil level was okay. When I put this quart of oil in, it went straight through to the ground. I had the car towed to the only garage in this town of Polo Mo. where I now live. I explained to them what happened, figuring my car engine was shot, Car would start back up but I certainly didn't want to bend a rod if that wasn't the case.

They said it just sounds like I need a new engine and they don't do engine work. If you have some further information I would sure welcome it.

Thank You

A. Sounds to me like it threw a rod from lack of oil. Maybe it sprang a leak on your trip? If you add oil and it pours out the bottom, it must have a hole in the oil pan from throwing the rod. A new or remanufactured engine sounds like the fix here! Sorry.