Oil change/fiascos

z142

I have a '98 neon with the base engine. It has about 107k on it. I'm pretty good about getting the oil changed, usually at 3-4k and I use regular oil (not sure what brand, but it probably doesn't matter). It's been about 1800 miles since it's been changed.
I know absolutely nothing about cars, so sorry if I ask too many questions. Could the headgasket problem that neons are known for cause any of this? Lately my car seems to be lagging a little like it did when the first headgasket went out. It also leaks about 1 or 2 drops of oil overnight, but not a puddle like before.

jim105

I am curious. I have a Half ton also, and always do a lube jobe whenever I change the oil. Obviously, it must be jacked up and on stands to do a lube job. How do you do the lube job?

wtd44

I appreciate your response! Like you, I find my vehicles being easy to trade in with dealers that know how I maintain them.

highroller

you have to jack your half ton up?? With my half ton, i can easily crawl underneath and change the oil myself on my back, laying flat down.

but that being said, i weigh only 125 pounds. But even so, i believe mostly anyone can get under their half ton, provided that they have some cardboard for the back and a pillow of some sort to support the neck. I twist my oil filters off by hand also.

Im curious as to what type of truck you have?

micweb

I used Wal-mart for quite a while. Their crews are trained by Pennzoil techs, since that is their "house" oil for oil changes. They are no better or worse than Jiffy Lube in terms of staff training, from what I can see, but they aren't as good as dealers. I had a couple of problems a couple of times, which was discouraging. But I think some Walmarts and some crews are better than others. Even dealers mess up sometimes.

But the real advantage of Walmart, is they won't try to upsell you on additional junk. And if you have a burned out light bulb, or need wipers, they'll sell them to you at the highly discounted Walmart price, and install them free.

highroller

I mostly agree with you micweb.

jim105

Actually, I have a Tahoe, 4 wheel drive. I can easily get under it. But to lube it, I want the weight off the suspension and steering parts. While I have it jacked up, I rotate the tires. This works out about as often as I change the oil, 6000 to 7500 miles. How often do you lube your truck?

highroller

Jim105, i apologize that i didnt read your post more carefully, i thought you just meant changing the oil/filter. I havent lube my truck as of yet and probably wont for awhile due to my truck's new condition. But having said that, i do agree that you would have to jack up the truck to lube it. In my opinion, i'd lube my truck's steering parts and other parts at least once a year. But since my truck is new, i wont be doing any lubing any time soon.

div2

A friend of mine used to be the General Manager of an Audi/BMW/Porsche dealership. Customers would bring their car in for service and afterwards the tech would ask, "When did you go to Jiffy Lube? The reason I know is because the lube pit monkeys stripped the pan threads and replaced it with an expanding rubber plug."
If I had absolutely no other choice I'd reluctantly allow a franchise lube shop to change the oil on my Jeep TJ 4.0-since the oil filter is readily available and the drain plug is self sealing-but there's no way I'd let them touch my ti or X3. I'm certain that they would not have the correct filter kit-which includes the filter element, o-rings and sealing washers.
Funny thing; I was picking up a case of M1 0W-40 at Autozone so just for giggles I checked to see if they had a filter for the X3. They sure did-an STP element stamped "Made in Malaysia"-for $10.00. I went to the dealer and bought an OEM German filter for $6.88. That was a tough call...

marc781

At least half the professional people working on cars are idiots, poorly trained or indifferent. I know, im in the biz. i take my car in only when absolutely, utterly necessary. Even the best intentioned mechanic is paid by the job, always rushed and never has the full resources or knowledgeto do their job.
i do my own oil changes, brake jobs and even changed an engine or two. Sometimes exasperating but if a mistake is made i know who to blame.

And i save boat loads of money. Ex timing belt on V6 = $25 belt, idler pulleys $100 and a full day or two of my labor. = $150 or so incl the little extras you always need to do it right.
Cost for pro shop = up to $700.

Brake job, front = $45 pads plus maybe $100 for rotors, at worst = $145 usually much less. Cost for shop = $500 approximately. And so on.

burdawg

I have to agree 100%.

highroller

Time is money, like they say. Faster you finish, the faster you get paid. That's why i don't like it when i have to wait in line at the auto shop trying to get my oil changed or what not.

amaryllis

My husband took in his brand new 2006 GMC Sierra 1500 to Penzoil to have the oil changed yesterday. On his way home from work, it began smoking and then locked up on him. We had the truck towed on a flatbed to our nearest GMC dealer. They called my husband and told him to go back to Penzoil and get the highest person in charge at that branch and bring that person back with him to the dealer. Coincidentally, the regional manager was visiting the branch today, so my husband explained to him what happened and he accompanied my husband to the dealer.

In front of the manager and my husband, the dealer's mechanic drained 22 quarts of oil out of the truck. The manager immediately cut my husband a $100 dollar check to reimburse us for the towing charge, but my husband is holding on to it in fear of them trying to claim it as our agreement to a settlement, should there be more damage.

So, obviously I have several questions about this. First, keeping in mind that my auto knowledge is extremely limited, how can something like this even happen? Second, several other mechanics have told us that even though the oil had been drained and would eventually burn off during use of the truck, that the engine will most likely never run properly again and we could end up having a lot of costly problems with it later on, is this true? Third, Has anyone ever heard of a situation like this and can you tell me how it came to be resolved, if at all?

Any help or opinions in this matter would be greatly appreciated. We are trying to figure out our next step. Thanks very much.

Mr_Shiftright

There are any number of outcomes. I think you should at least talk to an attorney because there are already too many hands on your truck ("no, THEY did this, so WE aren't responsible for THAT, etc. etc.).

Best possible case is a good clean up and no damage

Next possible is that the catlytic converter and entire exhaust system is contaminated and needs replacement and/or cleaning.

Next possible case is blown engine seals...that is, engine turns out to be okay but leaks a lot

Worst possible case, and most unlikely, is that with all that oil, the oil "cavitates" or "foams up" like a cappuccino topping and thus the aerated mixture does not lubricate the engine properly, causing internal damage. Unless long distances or high speeds are involved, this doesn't seem likely.

So you can see that the outcome is uncertain, ranging from very little damage, through catalytic replacement to engine reseal.

Ultimately I think the battle will be between you and Pennzoil. They are insured for this sort of thing. What you want is a totally clean leak free engine that passes a clean bill of health from the GMC dealer after Pennzoil gives it back to you. And once you settle up, what happens down the road is your problem. It would have been better, in hindsight, that the dealer never knew about this, but oh well, there we are. Good luck with it and keep us informed. And get an attorney in your back pocket just in case there is foot-dragging.

Personally, if it were my truck and I got it back all cleaned and running great and GMC says it's fine, I wouldn't worry any more about it.

jlflemmons

How it happened? Simple. The guy doing the oil change started the autofiller and either didn't set the quart count correctly, or just turned it on and got distracted.

Either way the dumb butt should have seen the oil flowing out of the dipstick tube, or at least checked the oil level before firing up the engine.

Get an attorney and a new engine, because if that thing locked up, damage was done.

highroller

Yes, i agree, get an attorney to get a brand new truck. Not only has alot of possible damage has been done, the repair costs along with parts etc. is very steep. Ask me how i know!!

Mr_Shiftright

Why would a court award him a new truck? The whole truck isn't damaged.

I'm not sure what the poster meant by "locked up"---if they meant it just "stalled" that's one thing---if it locked hydraulically, that's another matter entirely.

isellhondas

Would anyone take a brand new truck to a quickie oil change place??

Not that dealers don't make mistakes, they do. Some of the quick lube places do dumbell things pretty often.

Just don't sign any releases until you have driven that truck a long while to make sure it doesn't leak or burn oil. 22 quarts...WOW!

div2

Would anyone take a brand new truck to a quickie oil change place??

I think it is called "knowing the price of everything but the value of nothing".

22 quarts...WOW!

A friend of mine watched a quicky boob "tech" fill a SAAB engine until it overflowed; that was because the pit monkey had pulled the transaxle drain plug...

crankshaft

didn't know anyone could even force feed 22 qts into the engine.BTW do not ever get the pit guy mad.I once knew someone who worked at the quickie who pumped a large quantity of grease into the drain hole of some guys engine who was rude to him.the guy above could not figure out why the dipstick showed overfill when he put in the correct amount of oil.he let the guy leave anyways.i do not know what the outcome was.

bobbymcgee1980

My aunt's know-it-all ex-husband once owned an old beater of a Corvette, and fancied himself to be the greatest mechanic since Smokey Yunick. He made a big point of showing off his mechanical prowess by demonstrating to the entire family the proper way to change the oil in a Corvette. Fancy name aside, this was basically just another old car with a 350 under the hood. Trained Chimpanzees could change the oil. My ex-uncle-by-marriage was explaining the process in great detail, and began to get agitated when everyone started laughing, but trying not to show it. Until he noticed the oil slick creeping down the driveway. He neglected to replace the drainplug before pouring all 5 quarts of oil into the crankcase.

wtd44

Would you say he was busted flat in Baton Rouge?

lapisbluemazda

Hello, I read through this forum but could not find the answer I needed so forgive me if this is repetitious. I took my 2003 Mazda 6 (47,000 miles on it)to the Mazda dealer that I visit every 3500 miles. This time when I left I drove an hour and noticed a horrible smell from time to time, then finally smoke pouring out from under the hood. When my husband checked under the hood he cursed the dealership for leaving the oil cap off. There was oil all over the engine. He purchased a replacement cap and poured some oil in. Two days later (yesterday)I took it back to the dealer for them to clean up there mess. They changed the oil again and said that they cleaned up the best they could. They did not use steam because they feared it might cause damage. Something about the coils. They said they used cleaner. The car seems better, but when I put on the AC I am still getting a slight smell. I am pregnant and freaking out!! 1st-is there anything else I need to make them do? Can there be any long term damage to my car? Are these fumes toxic? I need my AC because its in the 90's but I think the smell make me dizzy. What do I do?

Mr_Shiftright

It should burn off in a couple of days. If you can find / see the area of the engine where it is still smoking a little, you could brush on some Simple Green and that should clean it. It's probably some residue on the exhaust pipe down below.

1racefan

"you could brush on some Simple Green and that should clean it"

Mr Shiftright - I have seen Simple Green mentioned as an engine cleaner on a few of the boards on this site. My question is when you put the Simple Green on the engine, do you just apply it and let it sit, or do you hose the engine off with water?

altair4

IIRC, you need some water to activate the Simple Green. And I aslo seem to recall that it can be corrosive to aluminum. I'd spray it on, agitate it with a stiff brush, and the flush it off with plenty fo fresh water.

savannah235

I took my new 2006 Mercury Mariner in to the Ford Dealership to have the oil changed for the 1st time this week - I've only had the vehicle for 2 months - anyway I had someone pick me up so I counld run some errands, when I got back and was standing in line to check out I glanced at my car and noticed a huge dent in the drivers door - when I told the check out girl she acted like she didn't know what happened and got the service manager - he looked at the car and agreed that it was not there when I brought it in and they would have it repaired and made arrangements for me to have a rental car (the dealership has over 200 cars on the lot but nothing for me to drive - go figure) - I'm sick, sick , sick! - this is a practically new car and they were so irresponsible and parked it right where someone could run over it - so does anyone have any suggestions - should I just take the repair and get over it or do I have any other options?

burdawg

I would let them repair it (to your satisfaction of course) and then get over it. It's just a car, and it's bound to get bumps and bruises anyway, this is just the first.
Save your anguish for things that really matter.

Mr_Shiftright

Yes Altair is right I think. Dilute it with water and it should be fine. I apply it with a small paint brush. Like any cleaner, test it first on an inconspicuous place. I use tinfoil to cover areas I don't want to get wet but of course don't cover the battery terminals with tinfoil, or any uninsulated electrical devices!

micweb

I'd say you have a great dealer for accepting responsibility so quickly like that.

isellhondas

" they were so irresponsible and parked it right where someone could run over it"

So, if you had parked it at the Post Office or the grocery store and someone hit it that would have been due to your lack of responsibility?

It is unfortunate but life is short and in the realm of things, this is really small potatoes. Things happen.

It sounds like they stepped right up to the plate and are trying to do the right thing here. A quality body shop will restore it to the same as new. They are paying for a rental car for you to use.

Yeah, you do need to get over it and you will.

savannah235

The dealer didn't even park it in a parking space - they left it parked parallel to the service bays where ppl pulled up and backed up to leave - If I had been the one to park it and this happened then I really don't think I would be here asking for advice - now would I - geez - thanks for being such a welcoming and friendly message board - I'll be sure and refer others.

isellhondas

I don't think anyone was unfriendly. You asked what we thought and we simply told you.

krzyss

What did you expect?
Stuff happens.
Dealer acknowledged the issue and that they caused it.
You get rental and they will fix it.

What do you want? First born? A thigh for a dinner?
An eye?

Krzys

PS Situation is not nice but dealer seems to be doing what good dealer is supposed to do.

sandman46

They screwed up & they'll fix it. End of story. In two months, this will be a distant memory. Unfortunate...yes. Maddening...yes. The end of the world...NO!

The Sandman

wtd44

Savannah235 makes a point, and I would be at least as unhappy about it, had it happened to my car. What can be done about it may only be known in a court of law. Should a consumer be happy to assume the several thousand dollars of extra depreciation that a permanent record of repaired damage can create?

burdawg

No, you shouldn't be happy about it, but what can you really do except live with it? If it's such a minor repair, just keep the documentation to prove that fact and use it if needed during any resale or trade in.

div2

Well, the hit won't show up on a Carfax, and it's not like they dinged a DB9 or a Gallardo. Any impact on resale will likely be minor.

john500

To reiterate what Isell and others have said.

1. The fact that the dealer actually assumed responsiblity puts you ahead of 95 % of the population.

2. Yes, you should be not only happy but ecstatic that the dent will be repaired and you should give the dealership a large amount of respect for fixing it.

3. Unless you have proof (ie a picture or video of the vehicle prior to entering the dealership with a date and time stamp), you don't have a leg to stand on.

Where do you people drive that you actually notice dents and dings? I collect about ten over the course of a year on all of my vehicles. My current philosophy is that unless a dent voids the vehicles ability to pass state inspection, leave it alone.

krisinaz

I have a 2000 Oldsmobile Alero, I took very good care of my car. Took it for all routine maintenance check ups, tires etc. We always took it to Jiffy-Lube every 3 months or 3,000 miles (This was 1 1/2 years ago). About 3 weeks after the last oil change Jiffy-Lube did on my car, we herd a loud bang on the bottom of the car and thought we ran something over. 2 weeks later my car started a loud ticking and thunking. I took it to a very large dealership here and was informed that my car was 3 1/2 quarts low on oil and had NO oil leak. Now I need a new engine, we did call Jiffy-Lube right away and inform them of the no oil in my car and that they must have not filled it up when they changed my oil. They sent someone over to my house to listen to the car and said "yep its ticking". Could someone tell me how my car even ran that long (about 2 months) on such little amount of oil.

isellhondas

If your car was 3.5 quarts low on oil, your oil light or pressure guage should have indicated that.

That loud bang probably had nothing to do with anything. You probably did hit something on the road.

I was thinking something knocked a hole in the oil pan but you said there was no leak?

Shifty?

imidazol97

How many miles are on the car?

The text says that the car was taken to Jiffy every 3000 miles and says 1 1/2 years ago. Did they quit taking it for oil changes 1 1/2 years ago? What happened since?

I'm thinking the motor started using oil. You should check your oil each time you fill with gas. I suspect the car was using the oil and you happened to notice the ticking.

Did the large dealership have a diagnosis as to what exactly is wrong with the motor now? Is it running? Is it noisy when oil is in it? A low mileage junkyard (salvage yard) motor is an option. A rebuilt is an option. Rebuilding this one may be an option.

Mr_Shiftright

Too many unknowns here to sort out a solution--age of engine, mystery of no oil warning light, time elapsed between alleged mistake and engine failure....this would require a detective to sort it all out and reconstruct probable events.

imidazol97

To me this points out that checking your oil level weekly or at every fillup of gas is important to prevent those cases where an engine starts using oil and empties its sump before time for the next oil change.

Also just because an oil change place has people who do changes doesn't mean it's right. I'd check the oil level after quickchange and I'd watch for drips under the filter and oil plug underneath. Actually I'd crawl under and check tightness on both, but since I'd have to do that to feel safe I'm better off just changing my own oil and that's what I do.

Another factor is to use the owner's manual and check each bulb when the key is turned to on to be sure that none of the indicator/warning bults is burned out.

Mr_Shiftright

It's getting worse---new BMWs don't even HAVE a dipstick anymore! Oil level is presented digitally on your dashboard.

imidazol97

>Oil level is presented digitally on your dashboard.

Do you fill it from there too? :surprise:

richardson

No oil dipstick puts us one step closer to having the hood sealed. Only somebody with the proper credentials will be able to open it. I think this is what the government really wants.

krzyss

I would think manufacturer.
I think there is already one such car. Audi A2.

Krzys

Mr_Shiftright

The hood of my new car might as well be sealed. If it breaks down on the highway, what am I going to be able to do with my dinky little tool kit? Nada!

Besides after reading these stories, I'm wondering if a hood lock isn't a great form of protection from incompetent shops.

3745

Many many years ago there was a wretched little Citroen, (CR5 I think it was called) that had a sealed engine. If the engine croaked you threw away and put another in. Must have been a mechanics dream come true.