Oil tank reservoir empty

[yellow rider]

I changed oil in the spring. Went to start this week, checked the oil level and it was empty. Pulled the drain plug from the block and all the oil was there. Refilled the reservoir and started motor. Looked into tank to be sure oil was circulating, everything looked good. I checked the parts fish and it doesn't list a check valve anywhere in the oil system. Has anybody had this happen before? Any ideas on what is going on here? Can damage occur with all the oil in the bottom of the motor?

 

[MrSled]

There is now way all the oil from the tank is in the block. Did you get almost 4 quarts out of the block?

 

[hibshman25]

Leaky oil tank? They are prone to stress cracks which leak. Foam in side panel usually soaks it up so leaks often go undetected for awhile as it does not drip onto floor. I'd bet the tank was low, but not completely empty.

 

[Yam4Strokin]

Had a 2008 Apex that did this exact same thing, checked oil tank, no oil! Thought, what the heck! Filled oil tank, ran it, and had WAY to much oil! There is a check valve in the oil pump I believe, no idea why it did that and let all the oil into the engine, but it did!

 

[MrSled]

Had a 2008 Apex that did this exact same thing, checked oil tank, no oil! Thought, what the heck! Filled oil tank, ran it, and had WAY to much oil! There is a check valve in the oil pump I believe, no idea why it did that and let all the oil into the engine, but it did!

If this is true... the check Valve would be in the bottom return line to the motor and oil pump. How did you fix it then? and how did you know it was empty? Oil Light on? It still would not be empty.. it may be lower but it would equalize between the motor and tank.

 

[yellow rider]

There is now way all the oil from the tank is in the block. Did you get almost 4 quarts out of the block? Mr. Sled that is correct all the oil was in the block. I believe the check valve was partially open and over summer it slowly drained to the bottom of the block. I checked the oil level in the tank and yes the warning light was on. Drained the oil out of the block and re-filled the reservoir. Started it up, checked for oil flow and all is good.

 

[MrSled]

There is now way all the oil from the tank is in the block. Did you get almost 4 quarts out of the block? Mr. Sled that is correct all the oil was in the block. I believe the check valve was partially open and over summer it slowly drained to the bottom of the block. I checked the oil level in the tank and yes the warning light was on. Drained the oil out of the block and re-filled the reservoir. Started it up, checked for oil flow and all is good.

That is so crazy... I take that back... New to me