AK1's 2010 Forester just took a giant E36 M3 on her way back to school. She said death rattle followed by oil light, now it won't turn over. She's on the side of northbound I75 around Mile 326. AAA will tow it the rest of the way to LSSU. Looking for someone to put eyes on it in the next few days.
OMG, exactly what you always feared. I know it provides no real help but I feel for ya buddy!
She's just south of The Mac Bridge which is about mile marker 340. If she were to head back south, the closest civilization is Gaylord, Mi at exit 282
In reply to John Welsh :
Looks like she will be getting towed up to The Soo, which is much further north.
We visit there as often as possible, but unfortunately just as tourists to relax and watch the Poe Locks move big boats around; I don't know anyone automotively inclined who lives up there, and as Angry probably already knows, there isn't a whole lot of anything nearby on the US side once you leave town.
No choice on the tow, she's got classes tomorrow. berkeley, I'm a giant ball of anxiety right now. Anxiety and self-hate. I didn't check the oil before she left this morning.
In reply to AngryCorvair (Forum Supporter) :
It's a Subaru. I don't think checking the oil would have made a difference.
My 18 year old college freshman argues with me let her take her 225,000 mile 2009 Civic 300 miles away to college. No, it's an around town beater......
I feel for you Buddy.
In reply to AngryCorvair (Forum Supporter) :
Sending you love and calming vibes. Once she gets back to the Soo, she's safe, that's the most important. Everything else can be solved with just time and money.
In reply to AngryCorvair (Forum Supporter) :
Totally understood, but you shouldn't blame yourself. Things happen. Though I know that fact wouldn't help me, and probably won't help you, either.
There was a decent auto repair shop I stopped in when the Roadmaster wagon we were driving that year decided to build on its nickname my wife gave it later when she used as a DD (A-hole) However, that was a decade ago, and I am not sure if it is even there anymore.
I remembered and searched out this thread which leads to a GRM'er in The Soo.
https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/sault-ste-marie-mi-looking-for-mechanic/184360/page1/
Crap, I’m no help but this sounds eerily similar to what happened to my son and his GF in her Forester in Tennessee a few years back. E36 M3box threw a rod without warning near Dyersburg at 10:00 PM on a Friday so I can relate to your feelings of anxiety and helplessness. We ended up putting them on the train, 2 day trip home but it was the best of very few options. Hoping for better results for you!
AK1 and her classmate made it back to school around 8PM. I've got two repair shop recommendations, so I'll call both and see what kind of vibe I get over the phone. Thanks for the positive energy. I'm still pretty mad at myself for sending her off without going through the standard road-trip checklist with her.
AngryCorvair (Forum Supporter) said:No choice on the tow, she's got classes tomorrow. berkeley, I'm a giant ball of anxiety right now. Anxiety and self-hate. I didn't check the oil before she left this morning.
This is exactly the kind of survivable crisis that kids need at that age to build character, confidence, and experience. Take a deep breath, thank your chosen deity that she made it safely, and let her tell you her version of the story again of how she found her way through.
This sucks but your daughter and her friend are fine and back at school. Good luck on finding a good shop to evaluate it.
Subarus are very popular in the UP of Mich. The local shops will be familiar with them. The local parts stores will have items in stock.
Yelp delivered this review from last year.
Owner of local garage "Ike's Westside Auto Repair" met her in parking lot at school to offer some diagnostic effort. Started right up, rattled for a few seconds, then quieted down. He said "put some oil in it and see what she does." She said it took 3 quarts to register midway on stick.
now it only rattles for one second on start up, but the rattle comes back when engine speed reaches 2000 RPM. Reminds me of the N54, or was it N55, BMW turbo engines in which the bearings need to be changed.
Tomorrow she's going to have the oil changed with heavier oil, owners manual says up to 20w-50 is OK for "severe duty". I just want the bottom end to hold together til we can trade it in.
Is the car burning 3 quarts or leaking 3 quarts?
John Welsh said:Is the car burning 3 quarts or leaking 3 quarts?
I assume burning because it's bone dry underneath. I didn't realize it's been over 3k since oil change, so about 1qt per 1k miles. Now I'm really pissed at myself for not checking the oil, and the odometer.
AngryCorvair (Forum Supporter) said:John Welsh said:Is the car burning 3 quarts or leaking 3 quarts?
I assume burning because it's bone dry underneath. I didn't realize it's been over 3k since oil change, so about 1qt per 1k miles. Now I'm really pissed at myself for not checking the oil, and the odometer.
Breathe, my man. Change your perspective.
You've done enough due diligence with it that this was the failure mode. It burned oil and is still running, even if its running poorly. There wasn't a brake failure, there wasn't a tire failure, nothing in the suspension broke. You've looked after it enough and taken enough care of it that none of the bad options had a chance to manifest themselves. She's safe, the car runs enough to let you figure it out, everything else can be dealt with.
In reply to Mr_Asa :
So true. Pat, youre not the problem here but this too is a problem you can solve/deal with.
A case of oil in the trunk and a good funnel along with come diligent checking is all this car need to stay on the road and get back down south for Christmas. The long drive is only 300 miles. Top it off at the beginning of the trip and at this rate it wont even burn a 1/3rd of one quart.
20w50 is awfully thick for winter in the Soo.
John Welsh said:In reply to Mr_Asa :
A case of oil in the trunk and a good funnel along with come diligent checking is all this car need to stay on the road and get back down south for Christmas. The long drive is only 300 miles.
Additional video confirms rod knock beginning at 2000 rpm. Not sure yet if heavy oil / a bottle of Lucas will quiet it down and prevent further damage. Also not sure how long these engines will run with rods knocking. IDK if it's spun the bearings or just opened up their clearances enough to rattle. I'm not interested in sending my daughter south in that car in winter conditions. I'll probably drive up in the odyssey on last day of semester and have her follow me in that while I drive the Sube home.
In reply to AngryCorvair (Forum Supporter) :
Change in plans. Lots of cars getting shipped north for winter test now, so I found a slot on an enclosed carrier headed south. Essentially bought myself some convenience. Sube will wait for me at the depot, and I'll drive up in the Ody to retrieve AK1 on Friday.
In reply to AngryCorvair (Forum Supporter) :
Good plan.
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