After prolonged use, oil fill cap vibrated out.. oil was lost, but machine was shut off before seizing. Will replacing cap and refilling oil get machine up and running.. pull and electric start engine.. Craftsman model 536.881651.. I live in Rockland county NY, College Grad. Born 1949. Another snow storm coming!

Should be good to go. Can never tell any excess wear it may have caused or shorten the life of engine, but yes, put oil in and go for it.

Hi,
Certainly replacing the oil fill cap after filling the engine with oil will solve your problem. Without an oil cap in place, the engine will blow oil out the fill opening during the downward stroke of the piston because of internal crankcase pressure. If caught, it only makes a big mess.
Peace,
Clarke