HELP !!! Oil change from Hell

mdrush · #1 03-02-2006, 12:57 AM

Hoping someone can help me with the next course of action, I took my blazer into a quick change place for an oil change and ended up having it towed out.

Stopped by the local quick change place to get my 3000 mile oil/filter change, while I was there I decided to have them perform their fuel system cleaner. To make a long story short, they completed my oil change perfomed the the fuel system treatment by running the solvent though a vacuum line and revving the engine. I then overheard the manger state "shit I forgot to put the oil in", she quickly reacnted and stated that she did put the oil in and beacause the "area manager" was visting she was just nervous. The guy from the pit yelled to her "don't scare me like that" . She took me to the office to pay when I noticed one of the oil techs pumping oil into my vehicle, when I asked what that was all about the manager said he was topping off the oil.

A few minutes later I saw a comotion in the bay to which the manager stated that they were having trouble starting my truck...a minuted later the "area manager" arrived and they asked him to see if he could start it...no luck. He said he was sure it was the battery as it would barely turn over

After 2 minutes trying to boost it, it started anf the thing revved up to "sounded like" 4000 RPM with a severe knocking. He shut it off and told me I should "get that checked out". I mentioned off to the side that I think they forgot to put oil back in it...he checked the oil and it was full but offered to change the oil again in case some of the fuel treatment got in the oil. The shop manager then approached us and stated "I did put oil in it".

They changed the oil and restarted the truck, we then noticed 0 oil pressure and a bad knock..The area manager stated he didn't see how anything they has done could cause this.....After 2 hours at the quick change I'd had enough and had the truck towed to a nearby garage right out of the bay. Unfortunately I'll have to wait until morning to find out the diagnoses.

1. Will the mechanic able to definitively see signs of oil starvation.
2. I'm assuming I need a new engine, does the fact that the damage happened while in their possession automatically assign liability.

Any advice would be appreciated...it's been a bad day.

Mike

AJT1961 · #2 03-02-2006, 02:02 AM

Sure sounds like they forgot to put the oil in and the reason it barely turned over was because it was almost seized. The shop should be able to tell that by the heat and friction damaged parts and bearings which will be widespread thoughout the engine. You're going to need a total rebuild if that is what happened. You are also probably going to have to take them to small claims court to get paid. You'll need the mechanic as a witness (so pick a mechanic who not only is good with engines, but also would make a willing and credible witness) and it would surely help to have the burned up parts to bring as evidence. If you have always taken it there (or anywhere) every 3,000 miles for an oil change, it would help to bring in the receipts to prove that you have always kept up with the maintenance and that the damage was not caused by you neglecting regular oil changes. You should start by sending a letter by certified mail as soon as you have a diagnosis and estimate stating that on such-and-such a date they destroyed your engine by running it without oil, that it is currently at such-and-such shop awaiting repairs, that they are financially responsible, and that they should contact you immediately about arranging payment. Do not get into the details about what you saw and heard at the oil change shop in the letter (e.g. their denials)-- save that for court. Personally, I'd take it to a Chevy dealer for the diagnosis and estimate. How many miles are on the vehicle? Obviously, if you have 160,000 miles and no prior oil change receipts, then you are going to have a tough time. On the other hand, if you have 50,000 miles and they changed the oil every 3000 miles you should have a relatively easy time. Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

TheBrettster · #3 03-02-2006, 02:35 AM

Sue Their a$$es off.

Rmbodie · #4 03-02-2006, 03:04 AM

SSSUUUUUUEEEEEE !!!!
All them places in my area have kids with no mechanical background . I have had friends with similar experiences . Rob

muzzy1maniac · #5 03-02-2006, 04:31 AM

Be very loud and persistant!!!!! It'll be cheaper fixing your problem that the bad advertising.

Rmbodie · #6 03-02-2006, 05:53 AM

I second that , LOUD and OFTEN . Rob

billibong · #7 03-02-2006, 12:38 PM

Once you find out what the status of your engine is from the shop you took it to, you will better know how to progress. However, I (unfortunately) had a job as an assistant manager of a "quick lube" place - well known and in every town in the country - and we had to pay for an engine replacement (not on my watch).
Your best bet is to contact the owner of the franchise and inform them of the situation - after you get your results, and if it is indeed a lack of oil. Every one of the franchises is required to carry insurance for just such a situation, and the owner - not the manager - is the one who you will need to talk to. Chances are, if you show them proof that it was caused by oil starvation they will replace or have the engine rebuilt for you.
The biggest thisg is don't take no for an answer, and be loud and very obvious when you state your calims. Do it publicly and loudly, they probably can't afford the bad press.

s10blazerman4x4 · #8 03-02-2006, 01:07 PM

Sueeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

kb3jhp · #9 03-02-2006, 01:13 PM

just dont take no shit from them whene you go to handel it. they should pay for a rental car and just tell them they are paying for it or you will see them in court.

534BC · #10 03-02-2006, 01:15 PM

You can probably pin it on them because most people will believe that no oil for a few minutes will ruin an engine. I am not sure how long it ran, but it normally will take a very long time to destroy parts at zero load and an rpm within limits.

I do not know what happened, you will see later, but I do not beleieve it was for lack of oil (whether they forgot or not)

mdrush · #11 03-02-2006, 01:28 PM

Well, I got a call from the mechanic this morning and he confirmed that the engine has about 10 psi oil pressure. He said that the bearings are definitely shot but he can't assess the full extent or cause without tearing into the engine...regardless it means an engine replacement.

I called the Area manager this morning and he told me at first there was nothing he could do as the engine had alot of miles on it and was probably "on borrowed time"...he said the revving pushed it over the edge and they are not responsible. I told him I was going to seek legal advice and he would be hearing from someone shortly.

He called back an hour later and told me he "feels my pain" and as a goodwill gesture the company would be willing to return the truck to it's original state by paying for half of the installation of a used engine. The engine they has found as a baseline has 119000 miles. He actually told me I was getting a betterment because it was a lower mileage engine. The engine they are willing to get me is $ 350.00 shipped to my mechanic and their estimate is 650.00 to put it in....basically willing to cut me a check for $ 500.00 if I sign a release.

After checking around town...here's what I came up with :

GM Dealer
Reman from Gm : $ 4129.00 Installed 3yr 100000 mile warranty
Reman from AC Delco : $ $ 3538.00 2yr/24000 miles warranty

Carquest
Reman : $ 1505.00 plus someone to install

Local Mechanic : $ 1600.00 for used engine with 96000 miles installed.

I spoke with an attorney and he estimates that this will cost $ 1000.00 if we end up in court. The downside if my damages are limited in Iowa to the value of a 1998 engine with 160000 miles on it. The GM dealer said to prove it was run without oil for evidence in court will mean sending the old engine to a lab for analysis.

It seems no matter which way I slice this I'm screwed.

mdrush · #12 03-02-2006, 02:03 PM

They ran the egine for about 5 minutes at 2500 RPM to do the "fuel system" treatment. I'm no mechanic but it ran smooth when I dropped it off and it ended up being towed out....so something happened. The mechanic said that the real deep knock, low oil pressure (10psi) and bearing sounds this is consistent with oil starvation damage. Again I'm no mechanic....

Does anyone know it the ECM would store codes for no oil pressure or any other insightful data ?

nickledimed · #13 03-02-2006, 02:13 PM

Well, of course you are. Justice costs. only the rich can have justice. Here is the deal. If you take it to court and loose: 1. youll end up paying your lawyer.
2. youll end up paying the mechanic.
3.Youll end up paying shipping to the lab and the lab costs.
4.and you will be without a vehicle.
Now if you win: all of t5his will be taken care of.
My question would be:
1. Can you afford Justice?
2. Can you afford to loose?
3. Are you absolutly sure you can win?
JM2C.....I feel your pain man!!!!!!

534BC · #14 03-02-2006, 02:29 PM

Hmm, your estimate is consistant in my area of around $3000 for a complete r&r. It does sound as if that is what did the damage (running without oil)

500 is nice, but could be more. It needs to be put back like it was and not cause you any loss. I know it already has, you have no car now.

billibong · #15 03-02-2006, 02:58 PM

Contact the owner, or the area manager with the information you just recieed. Obviously, the estimate that they gave you is low. You might want to counter with a settlement of 1/2 the cost of a reman via AC Delco or the dealer, or the full cost based on the numbers you were able to get from Authorized installers and ASE Mechanics.
Bring this to the attention of the other people that they have in the waiting room of the shop you used, loudly. It may buy you some more just to get them to stop you from costing them customers.

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