Hello,
It's been a while since I posted anything here. But, I am always browsing and learning.

I recently acquired an 85 Cali 300d w/ front end damage. I removed the front goodies; Hood, fenders, radiator, condensor, etc.

I thought I would go ahead and start the motor (it had full oil level) and let it run maybe 30 seconds just to make sure it was not damaged in the wreck. No radiator but with oil cooler still on. Little did I know the cooler had a major hole in it.

When I started the car oil started to pump out pretty fast. Soon as I noticed the oil pumping out of the cooler I turned the key off. Only problem was the key did not shut the motor off. In a panic I pushed the STOP near the valve cover. Nothing.

Ok, now I am really panicking. I tried to remember which color the vacuum line to shutoff is but, could not get anything to happen. I tried everything I knew to kill the motor. I tried to suffocate the motor (rag in exhaust and hand on oil cap hole). Finally, I stabbed the fuel filter with big screwdriver and removed the filter. The motor stopped.

I know that the motor probably ran for maybe 4-5 minutes pumping oil out of cooler. It never knocked or tapped. I did turn on the crank with 27mm. It turns. Apparently not siezed up. That's good.

Now my question is: Can these motors withstand this kind of abuse?

Would motor have started to knock if I ran it too long without oil?

I realize the real test will be when I reassemble everything and start it again. Yes, I will fix the ignition shutoff first. I am sick about this.

Paul in Dallas area