Motormech had a 20VT in for routine service on Saturday. When the owner dropped it off, he mentioned that the oil pressure was low.

Later, as we drove it into the workshop, it was clear that the engine wasn't at all happy - very rattly

A few minutes later, we found the reason - when the sump plug was removed, we got under a litre of very gloopy black sludge.

Expecting the engine, or at least the turbo to be dead, we put the correct amount of fresh oil in and started it up. After a few seconds rattling while the tappets filled up, it went nice and smooth and quiet

Very nearly an expensive way to learn the unofficial FCCUK mantra - "Check your oil....!"

If the owner is one here - apologies for "outing" you, but its only to serve as an illustration that 1) 20vts use oil and 2) they are remarkably tolerant to abuse

Nice car BTW - get the minor dent sorted and it'll be really good - I love Electric Blui

Very lucky chap and just lucky you caught it.

Very lucky indeed.

Yeah it may run now, but I doubt it'll last.

We're not going to see this up for sale are we? I'd hate to see someone get stung by a 'well cared for example'.

I was thinking the same. There is a reason some drop big ends and some don't.

I had one like this only it wasn't a happy ending.

Dropped oil twice to illuminate all the sludge and actually introduce some oil into the engine.

Guy drove it for 4 days after then it started knocking.

That apparently was my fault despite the invoice being plastered with warnings and stating clearly internals weren't checked but could be damaged.

More like a ticking time bomb than lucky escape!

That engine hasn't been properly lubricated and has sustained god knows how much wear with so little oil and such poor condition oil in the sump.

Good luck to the owner, he's gonna need it.

That reminds me I need to change my oil

There. Corrected it for you

Oh no, sorry, your's is not blue is it

I'm confused, my cars yellow and never been to motormech

Has it been to Fife? Join the Carlisle convoy