Eagle Repair: Engine Seize, low oil pressure, oil light


Question
I have a 1990 Eagle Talon. I was going down the road the other day and my car died on me. The oil light was flashing occasionally and I think the oil pressure was low. The engine did not feel hot and the car was stopped at an angle, so it was hard to read the dipstick. Is it possible that the engine locked and how can I tell if this is the problem. The car was 1500 miles ovedue for an oil change at 108,000 miles. It normaly did not need oil between changes. Is my engine shot??? Thanks for your prompt advise.  

Answer
Hi Lisa

According to the handbook for the Eagle Talon, the oil should be changed only every 5000 miles so I don't think it was a problem with changing the oil. If the oil level was low and the oil light was coming on then this could be a problem. The low oil pressure could have caused the engine to temporarly heat seize, if you shut the engine down and added more oil immeadiatly there should not be a problem. If you still drove the vehicle for some time without adding oil you could have caused damage to the engine. I would check the compression of the cylinders if they are ok then don't worry. It is also usual for an engine of this age to use oil usually about 1qt every 1000 miles, so check the oil level on regular intervals and top up.

Hope this helps

Wayne