I need some advice on the potential severity with an issue I had during a routine oil change. The tech (a relative term) installed an incorrectly sized oil filter (don't ask me how it fit) and when I got approximately 100 metres from the garage, I hear my car making a weird ticking sound. I open the hood and it sounded like it was coming from a pulley from the fan belt - so I driv another couple of feet, when I realize my OIL light is flashing...so I drive back to the auto bay (approximately 100 metres), stop in front (the car is still running) to hear him shout "shut it off!" So naturally I do, after which he informs me it's leaking oil..and sure enough there's a large puddle underneath, having accumulated from no more than 30 seconds of standing. He tells me to pull it in - so I start it up (gritting my teeth the entire way) and he informas me that a gasket on the filter blew, and that I had about 50% oil at that point. He drained the remaining oil, replaced the filter, filed her up again, and asked me to start it up. It starts fine. He says "rev it to 2000 RPM". Sure enough OIL SPRAYS EVERYWHERE....as he yells "SHUT IT OFF!!"..By this point I'm like WTF!!!!?? Well apparently the 3rd time was the charm after tha manager had to find the "CORRECT" filter as it was "MIS-CATALOGUED". I asked for a refund - but no. "It's not our fault sir - it was mis numbered my the manufacturer". I asked what if my engine was damaged? "Sorry sir it's not our fault"....So there was nothing I could do on the spot - I'm wondering what potential damage these two mistakes could carry, as a result or driving about 100m with 50% oil (so they claim;it may have been less), and then starting it once again and having all the oil just shoot out at once. What should I do if anything?
thanks

 

thats such bull that he screwed up and says "it wasnt me" like it was something outta tommy boy, but your engine should be fine, 50% oil is still a lot better then some of what ive seen my friends do to their cars

 

Potential damage would probably be ring/piston/connecting rod/journal bearing/rod bearing wear...most likely piston or ring. But if the car runs now I wouldn't worry too much. Keep an eye out for funny sounds or performance in the next few weeks, and if everything's ok just be thankful. Miscataloged my ***. Sounds like a missed customer now.

Change your own oil. It's simple, doesn't require much in the way of tools, and doesn't take very long. Why ever have that creeping feeling of doubt again when you can do it yourself and be certain it was done right?

 

Ya, the car runs absolutely fine - hope it stays that way.

 

yeah u can change ur oil in 20-25 minutes...unless u gotta run to the store to get a filter wrench to get the filter off...haha

than u can choose ur oil and filter and be happy

 

your car will be fine

 

i let my car drain over night so taht the most poosible would drain out. didnt have the filter wrench at teh tim and used a screwdriver. punctured the filter adn rotated it. messy but effective.

i ran on low oil for awhile not realizing my oil feed line was leaking. it was for more than just a couple seconds, more a like a couple weeks. you think ill have extensive wear on my internals bc of that?

 

You know, it is so easy to change the oil on a car, that I don't know why anyone would EVER go to a quick change place. If you don't have the tools (not that it really requires any) or the place to do it, go to the dealer. Those jiffy lube places are absolutely horrible in their service.

I hope the car stays running good for you. Drive with the windows open for a while so you can hear any noises being produced by the engine. Good luck!

 

Agreed wholeheartedly.