I've got a 91 Camry 4 cyl, with almost 200,000 miles on it. Yesterday, the engine stalled as I was driving, then restarted and made a loud banging/rattling noise. Reminded me of the bad gas rattling noise cars make but louder.

Turns out the car had run out of oil, and the warning light didn't go off. Luckily, the car had been slick 50'd a while back and I always add duralube etc with changes. I drove home for about 40 miles. Car idles okay, with no noise, but when revved the rattling/banging noise sounds off. No loss in power, all 4 seem to be firing.

Anyone have any ideas about what I've done to it? Father in law thinks I damaged a rod or two. I was hoping it was just something in the valve area of the engine so I could fix it myself.

If I can't fix it, I sure will miss this little car.

 

my guess would be that you ruined a rod bearing...im guessing that you have since put oil in it? does it run ok?

 

I put 3 quarts in it and it runs fine- just noisy. At idle speed there's no noise, but revving the engine makes for some rattling/banging.

Pretty neat the engine didn't seize. Since there was no sudden leak of oil, I guiess it's been running low for two months or more.

 

well, good luck...i would find a good mechanic...

 

Yes its too bad, i blew up an engine once from overheating. 1985 Nissan 200sx. It broke a piston.
Sounds like it needs a new engine