Dealer Service Center Oil Change Nightmare

[poptart]

Originally Posted by FRS Dad

Right, because nothing turns a buyer off like the idea of getting a used car that has a newer engine with less miles on it.

In the case of a late model car like this, I would absolutely rather buy a used car with no stories than have to worry if the dealership that screwed up something as simple as an oil change, is actually capable of swapping a long block without messing something else up. Probably won't be a lot, but I'd ask for some diminshed value.

[FRS Dad]

Originally Posted by Tromatic

You've been arguing against that the whole thread, no? Did I miss something?

Yes. You missed the day they taught sarcasm at school.

[Tromatic]

Originally Posted by FRS Dad

Yes. You missed the day they taught sarcasm at school.

I was the instructor. I know for a fact you were absent.

Good luck with this:

WTS: 2013 Scion FR-S, 23K miles. First oil change at 8K with 5 quarts of ATF, only driven for 2 hours before actual oil used. Asking 18K, willing to accept 10k.

[FRS Dad]

Originally Posted by poptart

In the case of a late model car like this, I would absolutely rather buy a used car with no stories than have to worry if the dealership that screwed up something as simple as an oil change, is actually capable of swapping a long block without messing something else up. Probably won't be a lot, but I'd ask for some diminshed value.

You always have to compare the actual service records against the CarFax history. CarFax is very vague, and they only catch work done at the dealer or accident reports by VIN. Repairs at indie shops, or body damage that didn't result in a police accident report doesn't make it.

DOV would be a stretch.

[eyedeez]

Originally Posted by FRS Dad

Yes. You missed the day they taught sarcasm at school.

I'm 12. What is this?

[fradet]

Originally Posted by FRS Dad

Sure, why not? Maybe the President of Toyota Heavy Industries could personally fly in and blow the guy. Seriously though, why does the car need a new engine?

Well this was said : Since I was over 10 miles away they wanted to tow it "because it may do damage to the car"

Im assuming they were worried about the engine. Im also assuming they know potencial domage transmission fluid could do the engine but maybe they dont know ? Maybe you do know but you said an extended warranty isnt unreasonable. So that being said, personally would prefer cash over an extended warranty and I gave 2 arguments so he can get the most of it.

To get a clear picture, we need to know from a good source if transmission fluid can "destroy" or harm this engine on the long run.

[FRS Dad]

Originally Posted by Tromatic

I was the instructor. I know for a fact you were absent.

Wrong guy. I've never been to truck driving school.

[Chimera]

Waiting for someone knowledgeable in fluid dynamics to speak up.

Originally Posted by fradet

To get a clear picture, we need to know from a good source if transmission fluid can "destroy" or harm this engine on the long run.

[andrewmay9]

stop fighting over the internet. give the guy advice and move on

[FRS Dad]

Originally Posted by fradet

Well this was said : Since I was over 10 miles away they wanted to tow it "because it may do damage to the car"

Im assuming they were worried about the engine. Im also assuming they know potencial domage transmission fluid could do the engine but maybe they dont know ? Maybe you do know but you said an extended warranty isnt unreasonable. So that being said, personally would prefer cash over an extended warranty and I gave 2 arguments so he can get the most of it.

To get a clear picture, we need to know from a good source if transmission fluid can "destroy" or harm this engine on the long run.

It's fair to state that they don't know what the effects are because it's such an odd occurrence, but wanted to err on the side of caution and flat bed the car. It certainly wasn't GOOD for the car, obviously.

I think you have two options before you:

1) Have the engine torn down, the parts cleaned and inspected by a Subaru tech, and have the area Subaru factory rep sign off on the reassembled engine.

2) Take it on faith that no permanent harm was done, have the shop do a couple of short interval oil and filter changes and accept the extended warranty.

Option one just seems horribly invasive and is likely to turn up nothing, plus it'll tie the car up for a couple of weeks. Let me follow up with my brother tomorrow. He's a great tech and his advice is always spot on.

[noobcake]

^^^

[FRS Dad]

Originally Posted by andrewmay9

stop fighting over the internet. give the guy advice and move on

Well I hope you're all happy now. The Internet Police just showed up. Nice work everyone.

[Tromatic]

Originally Posted by FRS Dad

Wrong guy. I've never been to truck driving school.

Neither have I! Unless it was breaking 939 tires for the lazy slags who were supposed to be doing the job. And there was sarcasm.

[FRS Dad]

Okay, I did some research on this. Apparently ATF is thinner than motor oil, and it is a common practice on higher mileage engines to run a mixture of ATF and oil for a short period to clean sludge out of the engine, then do a couple of regular oil changes to flush any remaining ATF out: This was posted in response to a guy who had accidentally used ATF instead of motor coil.

"Actually, people used to put 'some' transmission fluid in the engine oil right before an oil change because trans fluid helps clean the gunk out.

I wouldn't keep it in there but I wouldn't have any problem with driving it for a couple days then getting an oil change."

Source:
ASE Master Tech for 22 years.

So it doesn't seem like the two fluids are totally incompatible. If they mix together readily then they can be flushed out together as well.