A few days before Christmas, my car’s check engine light came on. I thought perhaps it was low on oil. It was, so I put a pint in and nursed it to another store to get more. It took almost four pints before it registered full. Just I left the parking lot, my car started billowing black/grey smoke and making a weird knocking sound. I immediately pulled over and turned off the car. The check engine light had turned off and it was not hot. After spending $180 to tow my car to my house, the driver mentioned that it sounds like my head gasket was blown and would probably need a new vehicle.
A friend mentioned that a few inquiring minds at Makerspace might be interested in diagnosing and fixing the problem. If this is a case, I would like to know how much and when this could happen. I would also need to see about a way to get my car to Makerspace without the huge costs of a tow truck. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated!
Members can work on their own vehicles but it’s not okay for automotive work to be done by others for pay. We’re not an automotive repair shop and we don’t want to be one. It doesn’t sound like a head gasket to me. It sounds like bearing and cylinder damage (likely from running with insufficient oil). What kind of car/engine is this?
Sorry working on others cars for compensation at DMS is not allowed. (Rule is unique for automotive area vs anywhere else at DMS due to liability concerns)
This is what damage to the bearings sounds like (also called rod knock). This happens either when the engine is under extreme load or more often when there’s not enough oil.
Just curious… If someone wanted to show the Kitchens (or any other member in a similar situation who may be interested in learning) how how to diagnose and repair it themselves, is that allowed?
I don’t know what might be involved in the diagnostics and/or repair, so I’m definitely not a person who would be qualified to teach them (or others in similar situations), but I am curious if it’s allowed with our current rules, etc… :dms: 
Edit to add:
I found the answer (I believe…)! 
It appears that it would be ok for other members to show “how to” and/or help with diagnostics and repairs, if I’m reading #11-13 correctly in the current rules, as long as there is no exchange of money or services…
- Vehicles must have insurance (if applicable) and the vehicle owner must be present at all times.
- While working with and helping others is encouraged, we do not allow members to work on vehicles in exchange for money or other services.
- The vehicle owner is responsible for any and all repairs done to their vehicle.
A head gasket is usually indicated by white smoke out the tailpipe. Black or Bluish smoke is generally indicative of oil in the combustion area (blown rings).
Most cars have a separate Oil light vs Check Engine light.
What made you think it was low on oil (other than the CEL) When you filled and checked your oil, was the car on level ground?
You say you put four pints in - so two full quart bottles? Or was it four full bottles? 
If it was four full quart bottles, and you don’t see a puddle of oil where you normally park, head gasket is likely. Do you see oil in your coolant? Does the oil on the dipstick or underside of the oil filler look like chocolate milk rather than honey (new oil) or dark brown like coffee (used oil)? Either of these can indicate a breach between the coolant system and the oil system.
edit: check your car insurance - you may have towing coverage.
I should’ve said the head gasket isn’t the only thing wrong. 
I knew we cannot charge others for pay, I was meaning cost of parts. My apologies for not making this clear. And frankly I cannot ever see DMS becoming an auto shop. 
No one would ever get to use the auto department.
It is a 2004 Hyundai Accent. It has 224657 miles. This car was a gift from my nephew when he passed away a few years ago. And sadly right now I simply cannot afford to get another vehicle. If there is a chance that I can salvage this one and get it running, I need to do this first. If not then I am stuck.
There is no indicator light to show low oil. However, there is a rather bright Check Engine light that often has a code to run if you have the adapter to read said codes. Generally my husband or teen checks the car fluids and such as I take are of other things. I do know how to check said fluids as needed if they aren’t available.