How dead could an engine be???

[mafioso45]

An '87 Volkswagon, ACCIDENTLY driven 10 miles with no oil in the engine(oil filter blew out when the engine started, and the driver took off quickly without noticing what happened), with no warning signs of trouble (high temp, noises, etc.) Everything seems fine. Then, 8 hours later, when attempting to return home, the car starts quickly and runs normally, but about 30 seconds after taking off, the car dies and hasn't started since. Still turns over, just makes a glugging sound.

How bad could the damage be? I suspect a new engine is needed. Any thoughts? Thanks.

[MagicRat]

The most severe damage is in the crankshaft bearings. They can survive for a while with no oil because the soft metals of the bearing insert start to melt. Thei semi-molten state holds off a seized bearing for a few minutes. However, the insert is quickly destroyed and the bearing journal (crankshaft) becomes badly scored.
When the engine cools this semi-molten soft metal of the bearing cools, solidifies and sticks to the crank shaft.
In addition all the oil-fed moving parts of the valve gear will be badly damaged along with the pistons and cyl. walls.
In short, it needs a complete rebuild. Chances are the block just might be damaged beyond what a re-bore can clean up.

[mafioso45]

Thanks, I expected as much...just didn't know the specifics. I found some deals on engines...probably just go that route. I like projects...but I'm not quite that adventurous.