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Almost Got A New Engine

S

SVTStuntin

New CEG'er
Joined
Oct 13, 2005
Messages
13
Location
Traverse City, MI
Well as the title states I almost got a new engine this week. I got my oil changed at the dealership I work at and they stripped the oil drain pan threads, you know the ones that the plug screws into? Yeah those ones. Anyway they put whats called a pan saver which is like a temporary fix. So yesterday I leave work and I see where I was parked there is a huge puddle of oil, so I'm like WTF. So I pull into the bay and they say they fixed it so I drive off. Well as soon as I pull out of the driveway and I look behind me and there is a soild stream of oil, and now I'm starting to smell burning oil. Mind you its like 5:15 now so the traffic is pretty heavy. So I'm driving and the smell is getting worse and whats up ahead? Thats right a red light. So I stop, obviusly. I pull away and there is a massive pool of oil. Now its coming out even worse so I turn around as soon as I get a chance and whats ahead of me? You guessed it another red light. So by now there is smoke rolling from my car and I'm leaving a trail of oil. As I pull back into the parking lot and get out of the car I see that there is no plug in it at all and the oil is just pouring out, well all thats left at this point. Well, today the dealership ordered a new pan, gasket, indicator and tube, along with some new exhaust nuts and bolts for me. :) They are lucky that I was paying attention or they would be buying me a brand new SVT engine. I kinda wish I would have kept driving, but they again I would be without my baby for quite some time. All in all I think I drove about 3 miles with no plug, so I guess I'm kinda lucky. Oh well, my new parts are on the way. :)

Justin
 
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If you ask me, I think the shop is getting off EASY.

They'll invest x amount to appease you, you'll drive off happy, and then you get engine problems a week later and they can say "it wasn't US... he had it a WEEK (or 2 days, etc) and caused it himself.


I'd DEMAND they pay to have a DIFFERENT mechanic (reputable) go over it with a fine toothed comb (pull the pain and inspect the bearings, AT LEAST)
 
Except that he works there. "Hey boss, I think our shop is shady and I want someone else to go over the car". That'll go over well.
 
I'm guessing by the time I got back there was probably maybe two to three quarts of oil left. I am paranoid, but how am I supposed to tell if anything else is wrong? I have the car for the weekend, they put a different pan saver in it that is holding, but what could I do to see if there is anything else possibly wrong? When they are doing the work you can bet I'll be out there watching, asking tons of questions and inspecting everything with the tech. So let me know what you guys think, cause I would love to get a new engine out of the deal.

Justin
 
if the plug fell completely out i can't see how you would have 2-3 quarts left after driving 3 miles and stopping for 2 red lights.
i would definitly have the motor inspected more closely.
 
Oh yeah, I will definatly have the engine inspected closely, because as soon as I leave the lot after they "fix" it and the engine blows, its not their fault anymore, so they say. I don't really want to put a new engine in myself so you can bet I'll be sure they inspect everything.

Justin
 
Did the low oil pressure light in the instrument cluster come on at any time during this?
 
ElKy said:
if the plug fell completely out i can't see how you would have 2-3 quarts left after driving 3 miles and stopping for 2 red lights.
i would definitly have the motor inspected more closely.
Click to expand...


the metal shavings from where they stripped out the threads were still in the pan and clogging up the drain hole...
 
RodneyBur said:
the metal shavings from where they stripped out the threads were still in the pan and clogging up the drain hole...
Click to expand...


No way in hell were the strips of metal big enough to clog up a hole of that size. I hope you were being sarcastic. :nonono:
 
I hate those pan savers as you call it, most types of them are akward and can easily be messed up. An oversized plug is a better option but obviously a new pan is best.
 
procyon said:
Did the low oil pressure light in the instrument cluster come on at any time during this?
Click to expand...

As a lot of us know, that light doesn't mean ish except that there is probably a bearing that has already taken the load without lubrication. I know it puts you in a tight spot with your employer, but I would not let them look at your SVT again. If you let them then be sure no stone is left unturned.

The bad part is that if there were any bearing failures during your 3 mile extravaganza, the evidence may be out on the asphalt with the rest of your oil. If there is even a hint of metal shavings in the pan when they pull it. (make sure you're there!) I would demand a new rotating assembly or at the least new bearings (clevite) installed. That is only fair to you. It is your car. Your hard earned money. And you're the only one with something to lose in this situation. DEMAND IT!!!!!!
 
I ran a race car about 2 quarts low on oil after a fitting broke (7 quart system) and it spun a bearing and broke a rod the very next race weekend.

Motor's don't like to be low on oil. Get all this BS in writing and have your paper trail ready for your lawyer. I'd be looking for another job.
 
Pale Horse said:
As a lot of us know, that light doesn't mean ish except that there is probably a bearing that has already taken the load without lubrication.
Click to expand...
True in some ways. However, if the low oil pressure light did come on, it would be good evidence if his engine does develop problems.
 
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