Almost dry...

[Big Brin]

I discovered in my newly acquired car that it had below the minimum amount of oil in it. Anyone care to guess what the effect would be of having run a 5.0 engine on only half the amount of oil (2.5 litres instead of the full 5 litres), for at least 70 miles? Oil grade 0W.

[parrot of doom]

Were you watching the oil pressure gauge? IIRC if it drops below 10psi, stop immediately.

[Big Brin]

Pressure did get low, almost to zero when the car was stopped. When moving it was almost midway between 0 and 30. There isn't a warning light is there?

[2 Smokin Barrels]

My guess is no problem.

[scared but happy]

On the Chim user guide (4.0) it says "The engine oil pressure should not fall below 10 pounds per square inch. Should the gauge fail to register or there is an appreciable difference in normal working pressure, switch off the engine immediately...."
But my question is what about hot/cold readings and mine is a bit vague anyhow, bit like the fuel gauge

[mongoose]

like 2 smokin barrels,my guess is probably no problem also.a couple of points though.1)you should find that in total you can get 6 litres in not 5 on a new oil and filter change(2 litres i think between dipstick marks) 2)as long as your oil pressure was good then in theory you had enough in there,it just wouldnt last so long. 3)get that 0w whatever it is out from there-use 15-50,10-60,20-50 or whatever depending on engine mileage,time of year,personal preference etc.most use 15-50 mobil1 motorsport all year round though. 4)if youve done any real damage youll hear it probably.

[The Surveyor]

Would there be a danger of needing to prime the Oil pump if the level, or presure reading has dropped.