I recently purchased a near mint '83 Honda ATC 200E Big Red. I went to change the oil on it last night, and for reasons I regret now, decided to leave the drain plug out. I went to work today, and when I got home I noticed the trike had been moved. I asked my wife if she used it, and to my devastation, she said she took it for a 5-10 minute ride. Right away I put oil in it, and it started right up. There doesn't seem to be any odd noises, and it doesn't look like it's pushin' blue (burning oil).

I've been feeling sick about this all night. My question is, do you think the engine has been damaged after low speed operation (puttin' around the yard) for 5-10 minutes.

 

When I do an oil change, I take the keys and hide them so the kids won't do what your wife did. (And so I won't do it myself!)

Only time will tell! I knew a guy who took his 250EX to the dealer for service, and they forgot to refill the oil. His kid rode it for a half day before it finally seized up. These engines are tough (especially the old school air cooled ones), and can take a lot of abuse.

 

I bet your fine. There still some oil residue to keep it ok for her short little ride is my quess.

 

Easy for us to say its ok this is what I would do take your oil filter down to any truck shop,mack.detroit.cummins,cat dealership. Go into the shop and have them cut the old filter open with one of there can cutters. look for metal inside the oil filter it should tell you the story.

 

Not much you can do about it now. Run it and see what happens. If it sounds ok then it probably is ok.
Next time you drain the oil put oil back in it right away.