Hi there. Bought my first ever car (1991 Si Auto 1.5) in November and its plagued with problems. The latest being...

A strange squeeling/grinding noise starting coming from what I thought was my brakes last Sunday so took it into the garage on the Monday to get the pads replaced but mechanic said they weren't the issue, it was my driveshaft that needed replaced but that it wasn't urgent.

The noise had stopped when I drove home from the garage so I thought problem solved...nope! Car ran fine all week but as I was coming into my driveway today the most god awful turning/grinding/vibrating noise came from the engine. Stopped and started the car and in park it idles fine but as soon as I move it into gear the noise starts. I put it back into park and the noise continues for about 10 seconds.

It seems to originate from a box attached to the leftside of the engine block. Checked my oil and its bone dry! Called a number of garages and get different answers from each one. ''Engine is f##ked, just scrap it'', ''put oil in and it'll be fine'', ''driveshaft has snapped'', ''gearbox is goosed''. I'm so confused and don't know what to do.

Is it worth my while buying oil or am I wasting my money?

 

Don't run your engine without oil! Put some 5w30 (preferably synthetic) in it right away. It'll only be a little over 20 bucks and may stop the noises and save the engine.

After that, drive the car on ramps and get under it to check for leaks.

A buddy of mine works in his dads shop. They changed the oil on a ladies civic and forgot to put the drain plug back in, or it fell out while she was driving. She came back after 3K miles with no oil in the engine. They replaced the filter and drain plug and the car was just fine. At least, that's what he said

Let us know what happens.

Welcome to the forum and good luck!

 

The worst thing you can do right now is run the motor with no oil.
Definitely worth every penny. its either ~20 bucks or ~400 for a new engine.
or it might be too late....

 

"She came back after 3K miles with no oil in the engine. They replaced the filter and drain plug and the car was just fine. At least, that's what he said"

That's right up there with Paul Bunyan axing trees in one swing IMO

As for your problem with your car Angel 41, have you check the transmission fluid? And yes, buy the oil, it's a lot cheaper than taking it to a shop and having them do it.

 

update

there was no trans oil haha took me ages to find out how to check though (not technically minded...yet) plus the driveshaft had popped out. The local garage where awesome though. Towed it, fixed it, and topped up my oil and trans fluid for $150 NZ. Apparently I got a good deal.