Seized Motor - Need options/help

[pantdino]

Originally Posted by GWiZ

They were denying the claim due to a missing oil change that was done but apparently never documented Subaru. Thus questions whether it was done or done wrong. There was no leak, no signs of burning, etc. No heavy modifications added either.

The determining factor they didn't want to battle and agreed to settle was the fact the oil light never came on. Not when there was a little missing, a lot missing, or no oil period. I have proof from a reputable shop regarding that as well.

So new motor it is!

How much oil was in the engine?

Isn't this "low oil" the same story as the engines with the ruined 4th bearings caused by the cam advance mechanism failure?

Was the cam advance mechanism OK in your car?

I usually do my own oil changes, but with this car the $tealer changes might be worth it.

[EAGLE5]

My local dealership does the change for less than the quickie places charge for synthetics.

[GWiZ]

They claimed your "own" oil changes clears them of all liability and warranty claims. They want documented proof of the oil changes and receipts. Thus why I had to file the lawsuit.

[Foobar]

Yeah, if you guys want to have no headaches with warranty work, have the dealer do all scheduled maintenance. You're asking for trouble otherwise as they will always first assume that whatever failed happened because of someone else's incompetence. Or just go FI as soon as you get the car and forget you even had a warranty. Then you can do all your own oil changes without worry and just buddy up with a local mechanic who won't rape you for the bigger stuff. That's the route I took.

As for the OP - I'd see if another dealer in the area would be willing to work with you. Definitely don't go back and do business with someone you had involved in a suit. That's just asking for even more problems down the road.

I can't imagine why another dealer not associated with this mess would turn away work and money unless Subaru itself has put you on some kind of blacklist, and if so, perhaps another lawsuit is in order.

[Chanpion]

Has anyone narrowed it down to what is causing the oil starvation?
http://www.motoiq.com/MagazineArticl...From-King.aspx Since we know that the oil starvation in the EJ was down to design, they popped up not too long ago.

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by Chanpion

Has anyone narrowed it down to what is causing the oil starvation?

No, just general speculation on the variable timing may cause oiling problems (can't find the link but a tab basically comes dislodged) and possibly that the oiling system may be a bit inadequate for supplying lubrication (similar to your link maybe) or maybe even that the oil overheats and loses it's lubricity (people have logged high temps even in daily driving).

At least those are the three concerns I've seen voiced with the lubrication system of the FA20.

[pantdino]

Originally Posted by Foobar

Yeah, if you guys want to have no headaches with warranty work, have the dealer do all scheduled maintenance. You're asking for trouble otherwise as they will always first assume that whatever failed happened because of someone else's incompetence. .

I believe legally as long as you have the work done by a professional the manufacturer can't deny the warranty coverage.

But I guess they COULD say the non-dealer mechanic that did the change messed up and you need to sue him. That would be really uncomforable for most people, who have some kind of relationship with their mechanic.

It might be worth consulting a lawyer re this-- if so most manufacturers could deny coverage to most of their customers with slightly older cars.

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by pantdino

I believe legally as long as you have the work done by a professional the manufacturer can't deny the warranty coverage.

But I guess they COULD say the non-dealer mechanic that did the change messed up and you need to sue him. That would be really uncomforable for most people, who have some kind of relationship with their mechanic.

It might be worth consulting a lawyer re this-- if so most manufacturers could deny coverage to most of their customers with slightly older cars.

Per the "Warranty and Maintenance Booklet" in every single car's glovebox (this is the Scion version 2013) shown below. Note that this is a legally binding document detailing the warranty and is easily accessible to every single owner, no need consult a lawyer.

[Foobar]

The problem, as described by the OP, is that Subaru has taken the stance that he has one oil change interval that was not performed by the dealership, so they are taking the stance that the oil starvation was caused by that oil change. Of course, the burden of proof is on them to show that, but as evidenced by the OP's experience, lawyers did have to get involved. So yes, while we as consumers have rights clearly laid out in writing, they can still make life pretty miserable for you by claiming failure was caused by improper maintenance since they didn't do it.

[Wilso]

Originally Posted by Foobar

Yeah, if you guys want to have no headaches with warranty work, have the dealer do all scheduled maintenance. You're asking for trouble otherwise as they will always first assume that whatever failed happened because of someone else's incompetence. Or just go FI as soon as you get the car and forget you even had a warranty. Then you can do all your own oil changes without worry and just buddy up with a local mechanic who won't rape you for the bigger stuff. That's the route I took.

As for the OP - I'd see if another dealer in the area would be willing to work with you. Definitely don't go back and do business with someone you had involved in a suit. That's just asking for even more problems down the road.

I can't imagine why another dealer not associated with this mess would turn away work and money unless Subaru itself has put you on some kind of blacklist, and if so, perhaps another lawsuit is in order.

I guess I will from now on, even though they messed up on my first oil change. I documented the date and how much oil I used, I also have receipts for the filter and oil purchased too

[Chanpion]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

No, just general speculation on the variable timing may cause oiling problems (can't find the link but a tab basically comes dislodged) and possibly that the oiling system may be a bit inadequate for supplying lubrication (similar to your link maybe) or maybe even that the oil overheats and loses it's lubricity (people have logged high temps even in daily driving).

At least those are the three concerns I've seen voiced with the lubrication system of the FA20.

You know any new systems for the oil that are out or in development? Just minor upgraded ones. I wouldn't step too far into the dry sumping territory because I think it'll take the car's daily drive ability. In the winter time I can drive and arrive to work after 20 minutes and the engine wouldn't be fully warmed up. I fear if it becomes dry sumped, cooling would inprove and it would never reach operating temp.

[Koa]

Originally Posted by 1GiantTurtle

built 10.5 compression ratio + 20 lbs of boost sounds delicious

20 psi of what, though?

cfm =/= psi

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by Chanpion

You know any new systems for the oil that are out or in development? Just minor upgraded ones. I wouldn't step too far into the dry sumping territory because I think it'll take the car's daily drive ability. In the winter time I can drive and arrive to work after 20 minutes and the engine wouldn't be fully warmed up. I fear if it becomes dry sumped, cooling would inprove and it would never reach operating temp.

Only oil coolers and oil pan baffling, nobody has identified and come up with a solution to increasing oil flow. Assuming that is the problem and it's not say a tolerance, manufacturing process, quality assurance, or material choice problem.

There are a lot of potential causes for this, we're chasing oil because that's what dealerships have mentioned in warranty repairs, that doesn't mean that's the root cause. Especially since the claim is that the oil pump is blocked causing low oil flow, why is the oil pump blocked? Debris, debris that likely came from the failed bearing, what caused the failed bearing? Lack of oil flow? Maybe.

[BRZnut]

So many questions and so few answers as to what the problem is...