Hi, Britain; Two 'like' people, separated by a common language. Love that line (from Gen. George S Patton). Anyway......back to the Rio.....The term you used...squealing...to me sounds like a loose fan(serpentine) belt. Have a helper try starting the engine while you are watching the pulleys that the belt drives. I've seen belts rust to pulleys, before. No, oil is not going to drain away from the pistons. Yes, the lifters could drain, but will refill as soon as the engine starts. DO NOT overfill the crankcase with oil.
Yes, the starter 'could' be making what I would call a groaning sound when low on voltage. Of course, while your helper is trying to start the engine, listen to the starter, also. A long handled screwdriver with the handle held to an ear makes an excellent stethoscope. (just be careful that it doesn't interfere with any moving parts while listening).
This has nothing to do with your immediate problem, but, if you haven't done so yet, replace the timing belt ASAP. Should have been done at 50,000 miles and can cause catastrophic engine damage if it breaks while driving.
Hello,
I have a 2005 Kia Rio. It has about 80,000 miles on it, and it was running extremely well. I left town for about 2 months and parked it at a buddies house. Of course while it was there nobody started it. But, whenever I went to go grab it yesterday and tried to start it, it was making an odd noise while starting. The battery had just enough juice to try and turn over, but while it was doing that, it was making an incredibly loud squealing noise. To me it sounded like while it sat, the oil drained off of the pistons and it was trying to turn with no oil on them.
I got a new battery and it still is making the same kind of sound while trying to turn over. I checked the oil and it seemed fine, but I added two more quarts just to be safe.
A few questions I have:
If all the oil had drained from the pistons, how many times could I try and turn it over before the engine is locked up?
Could this be an oil pump that has failed and isn't putting oil quite back strong enough?
I dont think this is a starter issue, but I will tap the starter just to be sure. I have not tried that yet, but it really didnt sound like that to me. It was at least trying to turn.
Thanks!!

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