Hit a huge rock in road and busted oil and trans fluid pans, car started to sputter..
Senior Member
Joined: 03-29-2022
Posts: 1,241
From: Davison MI
Like the title says I hit a big ol rock that was right in the middle of the road and I thought everything was fine but then the HHR (2010 2.2l 210xxx miles) started sputtering so I pulled off immediately and shut it off. Had a look underneath and both the oil pan and the trans fluid pan had some pretty good sized leaks, significant enough that they both drained completely within probably 10 to 15 min.
my question is, what caused the car to start sputtering? Is my engine done for? Or will replacing both pana most likely get me back to running like a champ like she was before?
Thanks in advance to anybody whom might have some insight into this situation. I did use the search but couldnt find anything like I'm experiencing? Thanks so much
my question is, what caused the car to start sputtering? Is my engine done for? Or will replacing both pana most likely get me back to running like a champ like she was before?
Thanks in advance to anybody whom might have some insight into this situation. I did use the search but couldnt find anything like I'm experiencing? Thanks so much
When I pulled it over and shut it off it still had a few quarts worth of oil I'd say. I laid there on the ground beside it watching it all leak away. I'm hoping the computer shut off the fuel pump due to the low oil pressure. Makes sense, and that's exactly how it started acting, like it was about to run out of gasoline...
Senior Member
Joined: 03-29-2022
Posts: 1,241
From: Davison MI
Administrator
Joined: 10-13-2011
Posts: 40,097
From: Welland,Ont Canada
First before you do anything, see if the engine turns over , either by key or by wrench , the crankshaft bolt is a 21 mm but a 7/8 inch will do in a pinch
if the engine is free and the crankshaft moves, remember turn it clockwise only! Then here a
Proposed parts list,
Engine Oil pan
Permatex black RTV form a gasket
5 quarts 5w30
Engine oil filter
Transmission fluid pan
Transmission pan gasket (GM one, not flimsy thin rubber offshore )
Transmission fluid filter
7 quarts Dextron VI ATF
if the engine is free and the crankshaft moves, remember turn it clockwise only! Then here a
Proposed parts list,
Engine Oil pan
Permatex black RTV form a gasket
5 quarts 5w30
Engine oil filter
Transmission fluid pan
Transmission pan gasket (GM one, not flimsy thin rubber offshore )
Transmission fluid filter
7 quarts Dextron VI ATF
Last edited by Oldblue; Feb 21, 2023 at 11:18 AM.
Moderator
Joined: 01-23-2009
Posts: 26,543
From: Fredericksburg,VA
It means something in the context of the questions asked. i.e.:
and
The OP question was
He also said he laid on the ground watching the oil drain out after driving a short time, who cares what the dipstick says at that point.
As they say on the TV court shows "asked and answered".
Drained completely
Now it has oil?
Why did it start running poorly?
As they say on the TV court shows "asked and answered".
Administrator
Joined: 10-13-2011
Posts: 40,097
From: Welland,Ont Canada
And permission to treat as a hostile witness.
seems to me by the first post, car hit rock, no damages mention about radiator or front bumper fascia, just the oil and transmission pans, it’s mentioned also he watched the oil leak out.
so back to swapping out the oil pan , here’s some tips about the sealant
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/prob...t-65895/page2/
a how to for the transmission pan and filter
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-...hange-58325/oh
seems to me by the first post, car hit rock, no damages mention about radiator or front bumper fascia, just the oil and transmission pans, it’s mentioned also he watched the oil leak out.
so back to swapping out the oil pan , here’s some tips about the sealant
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/prob...t-65895/page2/
a how to for the transmission pan and filter
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-...hange-58325/oh
Senior Member
Joined: 03-29-2022
Posts: 1,241
From: Davison MI
Like the title says I hit a big ol rock that was right in the middle of the road and I thought everything was fine but then the HHR (2010 2.2l 210xxx miles) started sputtering so I pulled off immediately and shut it off. Had a look underneath and both the oil pan and the trans fluid pan had some pretty good sized leaks, significant enough that they both drained completely within probably 10 to 15 min.
my question is, what caused the car to start sputtering? Is my engine done for? Or will replacing both pana most likely get me back to running like a champ like she was before?
Thanks in advance to anybody whom might have some insight into this situation. I did use the search but couldnt find anything like I'm experiencing? Thanks so much
my question is, what caused the car to start sputtering? Is my engine done for? Or will replacing both pana most likely get me back to running like a champ like she was before?
Thanks in advance to anybody whom might have some insight into this situation. I did use the search but couldnt find anything like I'm experiencing? Thanks so much
Senior Member
Joined: 03-29-2022
Posts: 1,241
From: Davison MI
The engine started having problems due to oil starvation. You best check the internals. Pull the plugs and use a long arm ratchet and turn it over CLOCKWISE. Any noises or issues with the turn?
Senior Member
Joined: 12-05-2014
Posts: 3,371
From: Northern Ohio
It's a VVT. As soon as a solenoid valve or a phaser gets starved for oil, it might start to run bad, even before parts start seizing.
Because you shut down quickly, there's a good chance the motor's fine. Keep in mind the chain tensioners also got starved for oil.
Because you shut down quickly, there's a good chance the motor's fine. Keep in mind the chain tensioners also got starved for oil.
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