Here's a breakdown of why:
* Loss of oil pressure: This is the critical symptom. Oil pressure lubricates all the moving parts in your engine. Without it, metal-on-metal contact occurs, leading to rapid destruction.
* Metal grinding noises: This is the sound of metal components grinding against each other due to a lack of lubrication. The severity of the noise indicates the extent of the damage.
* Rough running: A severely damaged engine will run very roughly, if at all, due to the misalignment and damage to internal components.
* No overheating (water): This suggests the cooling system is still functioning, ruling out a blown head gasket as the primary cause (although a severely damaged engine *could* lead to secondary cooling system issues later on).
Possible causes for the catastrophic engine failure:
* Rod bearing failure: This is the most likely culprit. Rod bearings are crucial for connecting rods, which transfer power from the pistons to the crankshaft. If a bearing fails, the connecting rod can get damaged or even break, leading to the grinding noises and loss of oil pressure.
* Main bearing failure: Similar to rod bearing failure, but these bearings support the crankshaft directly. Failure here would also lead to catastrophic engine damage.
* Oil pump failure: A failed oil pump would prevent oil from circulating, leading to a lack of lubrication and the same consequences. However, a failing oil pump might give you some warning signs before complete failure, so this is less likely to be the *sole* cause given the severity of the damage.
* Severe lack of oil: Running the engine severely low on oil for an extended period is a guaranteed way to cause this kind of damage.
What NOT to do:
* Do not attempt to start the engine again. Further damage will occur, potentially making the repair even more costly or rendering the engine beyond repair.
* Do not continue to drive the car. Towing is necessary.
What to do:
* Tow the vehicle to a qualified mechanic: They can diagnose the exact cause of the failure and advise you on the best course of action (repair or replacement). Given the severity of the symptoms, a rebuild or engine replacement is very likely.
In short, this sounds like a serious and expensive problem. Immediate professional attention is required.
