Engine started while changing oil

I remember some commercial where they were running engines after oil drain. It's like commercials where a model demonstrates a fridge with the door hanging open, drives the viewer nuts.

 

Yes, I remember the commercials for Slick 50. Even tried some of the stuff until Consumer Reports reminded me that teflon only works when it's baked on. You're probably thinking of one of the other scam products like Prolong - they claimed to drain the oil from Corvettes and other high-end sporty cars and drive them on a track at 90 mph for 30 minutes "without damage". Consumer Reports debunked that with a CR segment titled "Don't Try This At Home". Their identical Oldsmobiles made it a only few blocks down the road at 40 mph before seizing up. The FTC sued that one and others for false advertising. But I digress. I agree that a few seconds probably caused no harm. Just don't make a habit of it!

 

I had this exact scenario happen when getting an oil change, by my mechanic. He drained the oil with the car in park, while in Ready mode. I heard the humming noise from the inverter and realized he didn't power off. Luckily the engine didn't turn on.

A few seconds shouldn't hurt much. You have to think when you drain your oil during an oil change, there needs to be a few seconds before the new oil passes through the oil filter. This happens everytime you do an oil and filter change.

 

Actually, it is impossible to evaluate what damage that incident might of caused.

6-7 seconds with the oil low, and the engine starting at an "idle" demand?

My guess would be little to none.

 

I find the oil change easy enough on ramps. Not as easy as other cars because it sits so much lower I can't roll onto the other shoulder under the car, not enough vertical clearance. Otherwise basic oil change & the whole cartridge filter was a cakewalk. Just get a quality adapter wrench & it's simple.

 

Best reply to first post ever!