Here's what's happening and why it's so difficult to fix:
* Lack of lubrication: Oil acts as a lubricant, preventing metal-on-metal contact between moving engine parts. Without oil, these parts grind against each other, generating immense heat and friction. This causes the parts to weld or seize together.
* Extent of damage: The level of damage depends on how long the engine ran without oil and how severely the parts are fused. It could range from minor scoring to complete destruction of bearings, pistons, connecting rods, and even the cylinder walls.
What *not* to do:
* Don't try to crank the engine: This will only worsen the damage and potentially break parts.
* Don't add oil and try to start it: The damage is already done; adding oil won't magically fix the seized components.
What to do:
1. Tow the vehicle to a mechanic: This is crucial. A professional mechanic will assess the damage.
2. Get a professional diagnosis: The mechanic will determine the extent of the damage and provide a cost estimate for repair or replacement. This might involve disassembling the engine to inspect the internal components.
3. Consider repair or replacement: Depending on the extent of the damage and the cost of repair versus the value of the vehicle, it might be more economical to replace the engine entirely.
In short, attempting to unseize an oil-starved engine yourself is strongly discouraged. The risk of causing further, irreparable harm is very high. Professional help is necessary to properly diagnose and address the problem.
