Is there any way for an oil pan (car) to have a hole punched in it from the inside (mechanically speaking)?

Question

We were driving on the interstate when we suddenly heard a loud boom from underneath the car. (2004 Suzuki Forenza)

The can then lost power and we coasted into the emergency lane. Within seconds the cabin filled with smoke and we had to evacuate.

Once we were away from the car, we saw liquid pouring out from underneath the car, and there was a fire underneath it. It stopped after a few minutes. By the time the fire department came it was only smoking.

We were told that the liquid was oil draining. (We have eye witnesses)

We think that something hit the bottom of the car, causing a hole in the oil pan (the result of examination) caused by this.

The insurance company says, that although we have comprehensive collision coverage, that it was a mechanical problem that caused a hole to be punched into the oil pan from the inside. Thus they are not responsible.

The engine is seized up. Repair would consist of replacement of the entire engine.) Your feedback is appreciated.

Answer 1

Yes, the connecting rod that Kenny mentioned. But when that happens you usually know it. Usually you have to be low on oil or have to have gotten so low on oil previously that you did damage to the connecting rod bearings or are really pounding the *&%# out of the car, racing and over revving the engine. I have never heard of a connecting rod just letting go for absolutely no reason. If it did, you may have an issue with Suzuki. There is also nothing else in that part of the engine which could make a hole in the oil pan.



However, a mechanic (or anyone with common sense) can simply look at the oil pan and see if it is an entry wound or an exit wound. There will also be a broken connecting rod inside the engine. If the insurance adjuster (an adjuster came out and looked at right?) didn't check that, he / she isn't doing his / her due diligence.



Where is the car now? Has a mechanic looked at it? You should insist that the engine be examined by a professional - someone who knows what a connecting rod is and the difference between an exit and entry wound. If they refuse, threaten to call the state insurance commission. Need I remind you that you are paying for insurance?

Answer 2

Any mechanic with a brain can see if the oil pan had a connecting rod go through it from the inside of the motor or if the "puncture" happened from the outside. Sounds to me you don't change your oil and filter every 3,000 miles and you're still looking for an excuse to blame it on!

Another thing...comprehensive only covers weather related accidents.

Answer 3

Sounds like a connecting rod might have given up. A mechanic should be able to remove what is left of the oil pan and see if any internals are missing; it will be easy for a mechanic to identify that type of damage.

Answer 4

The insurance company is correct and it's very easy to see with a quick look. If a rod is broken and punched a hole through the pan you don't need to take the engine apart to see it. This is not an uncommon ocurrence either, usually due to a lack of regular oil changes.

Answer 5

It's very easy to tell. If the ragged edges of the hole are facing outward, the hole was created from inside. If the ragged edges of the hole are facing inward, the hole was created from the outside.



Since the engine is seized, it was likely an internal failure. Also; since the insurance co. is denying coverage, have an independent mechanic remove the oil pan to inspect the internals. He'll find the culprit pretty fast. This is just for your piece of mind.

Answer 6

Yes, if the engine "throws a rod", it can punch through the oil pan, and the evidence of an internal impact would be pretty obvious if this happened.

Answer 7

If you didn't run over anything then the boom was probably a piston rod blowing out the side causing the oil to spill out everywhere. Maybe the car was running really low on oil which caused the piston to blow out and seize the engine and what little oil was left spilled out and caught fire.

Answer 8

threw a connecting rod.

Very rare situation. Happens on the race circuit when revving the engine very high and breaks.

Answer 9

yes..it can happen

Answer 10

dunno