Re: Varnell's '99 J32 6MT Coupe EX-L
The night I drove this car home the J30 oil pan was pouring out oil. Every time I stopped I had to put 5 quarts of oil into it. On my way home from work today I hit a nasty pot hole and smoke started billowing out of the car. I immediately stopped and got out to assess the damage. Not to my surprise, I walked around to pop the hood and saw oil pouring out from under the car.
My phone was dead and I was still a few miles from home, so I hopped back in knowing the car wouldn't turn over after losing anymore oil. Yes, I realize this wasn't ideal, but not having a cell phone and having a car that can't be towed stuck on the side of the road wasn't ideal, either.
So I drove with my hazards, smoke pouring out. Low oil light came on and the power cut off. I'm really hoping the sensor stopped the car before serious damage was done. Ran to the nearest gas station and picked up 5 quarts. Unscrewed all caps before dumping them in. Hurried to start the car knowing 15 seconds slower would mean running back to pick up 5 more quarts of oil. She started and made it back to my curb. Just ordered an oil pan for $100 and paid the extra $40 for 2-Day shipping. Here's hoping she's okay, though I know some damage must have been done. Looks like I may be searching for an extra J32 engine soon.
Now if I could only get the transmission fill bolt off my i4 to get some MTF in that thing.