Where did my oil go?

[Rap328]

Got in the 328 today and it wouldn't start. Tried a couple times and a few times it would turn over but immediately shut off. Popped the hood and checked the dipstick, and it was bone dry. I looked under the car and there was a small (couple drops) of fluid. The car ran fine two days ago when I last parked it because a branch took my mirror off. There were no oil pressure lights on or anything. Does the dipstick show the whole oil level or just between 5-6 quarts? I know I didn't lose 7 quarts of oil in 2 days because there is no puddle and it hasn't rained. Could there be other things I need to check?

[flyfishvt]

make sure the dip stick is down all the way. Back when there were full service gas stations they used to check the oil. After wiping it off some would only put back in part way and bring it over to you and say "Gee you're down a quart, I better put some in". Of course they charged twice the normal price per quart. Its call "Shortsticking".

[RED328is]

it doesnt show your whole oil level. Add a quart and see where it stands, maybe more depending on how low you might be. Your starting problem is probably something different. Check you intake for any kind of blockage and start out from there.

[Rap328]

Still won't start up. All it does is whine when I urn the key. It seems Like it isn't getting gas which makes me wonder if its the fuel pump. I smell gas after I try and start it. I changed the spark plugs a couple months ago and they seemed fine. Any ideas of where to start?

[Dawghouse87]

You need three things for a car to run: Spark, fuel, and compression. If it doesnt start and just cranks then you need to start with any one of these.

Does the car crank and sound normal cranking or does it sound like it is just spinning freely with no chance of starting?

[blackbimma]

Make sure you're on flat ground when checking the oil level too. If its not on the dipstick than you're probably about at least 1.5 qts low.

When you turn the key to the 2nd position (when check engine, battery, and oil pressure lights come on) do you hear the whining? How loud is it?

[fun2drive]

Whine when trying to start?
Does that mean the engine is not turning over?
If so dude your starter is toast.
Typical conditions are the car will start cold but not once warm.

It did start before so you may be experiencing a starter that is shot.

The crankcase ventilation system which is a cyclone looking thing separates the oil fumes and oil putting the excess oil back into the engine via the dip stick. You might be experiencing the cyclone being plugged, the oil return line off. Yes you can lose a lot of oil fast when that is blocked.
Usually this is a cold weather issue however but still worth checking.
Once you get the car started and running smooth at idle, pull the oil cap off and see if you are pulling a slight vacuum or a if you have no vacuum or a pressurized engine.
Normal is a slight vacuum...

[Rap328]

It sounded like it was spinning freely with no chance of starting. But I found the winning answer. Fuel flooded and soaked the spark plugs. Changed the plugs and it started right up. I don't know if I have an overlying problem to this any of you all had that trouble? Thanks for the advice on what to check, it made life much easier.