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01 Saturn Oil change Monday, Engine explodes Tuesday
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comnavguy
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Dec 17, 2010, 10:08 PM
Post #1 of 9
(2789 views)
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01 Saturn Oil change Monday, Engine explodes Tuesday
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This woman took her 01 Saturn SC2 for an oil change at one of the quick change places this past Monday. Drove the car home about 1 mile. Parked about 3 hours. Went back out about 4 miles to shop and straight back home and parked the car until 5 AM Tuesday. Left to take her husband to work about 40 miles.
On the way back, traveling about 60 MPH in the inside lane of I-30, she said the oil can light came on and before she could get off, the engine exploded and she rolled to a stop in the emergency inside lane.
There is a hole in the front of the engine about piston size and one in the back about rod size with lots of clean oil blown all over the passenger underside of the car.
The oil filter looks out-of-round and the gasket has a split about 20 percent of the circumference.
Any suggestions/help to make this lady whole?
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Dec 18, 2010, 6:26 AM
Post #2 of 9
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Re: 01 Saturn Oil change Monday, Engine explodes Tuesday
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Don't disturb any of this. This engine needs to be examined closely. I'm not sure what happened there but it is very suspicious to say the least. A wild guess is an incorrect or defective filter but other things need to be looked at too. DO NOT let them do or change anything on their own. Get an independent opinion As to who is at fault before letting them touch the car.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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comnavguy
User
Dec 18, 2010, 9:23 AM
Post #3 of 9
(2781 views)
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Re: 01 Saturn Oil change Monday, Engine explodes Tuesday
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Thanks for that.
They are looking for a licened mechanic now to give them a written opinion, AND who is willing to go to small claims court for them if necessary. That, of course, will be a necessary additional expense; unless these guys are willing to be cooperative and to do the right thing.
They have already lied about who owns the shop and who did the work. Doesn't look good at this moment.
I don't want to sound as if I've come to a firm conclusion, but the events were just too close for it not to be the fault of the oil change.
They are supposed to meet with the owner today, but he won't give them a firm time to meet. That doesn't speak well either.
Anyone else with any suggestions, please JUMP in.
One of the first things one of the guys at the shop suggested was that the oil sending unit was broken off and that's how the oil was leaking out. When I looked under the car, there is a sensor about 2 inches UP and 6 inches left of the oil filter. Can you tell me the exact location of the oil sending unit?
Thanks again. I'll let us all know how this turns out.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Dec 18, 2010, 10:21 AM
Post #4 of 9
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Re: 01 Saturn Oil change Monday, Engine explodes Tuesday
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This is exactly why you can't let them tamper with anything before all the evidence is documented. I think at the very least they may have used the wrong or defective filter. Most all shops have insurance for this sort of thing so I would demand the name of their insurance carrier and try to deal with them.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Dec 19, 2010, 8:47 AM
Post #5 of 9
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Re: 01 Saturn Oil change Monday, Engine explodes Tuesday
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Damn! You shouldn't need any legal action - just get hold of the right person at the place. What happened? Hard to be sure but no oil will do stuff like that and why isn't really known yet.
The common reasons would be drain plug left loose or problem with oil filter and or proper installation of either.
Not sure what you mean by "licensed mechanic?" No such thing here but a history of being in the trade or proof of tech schooling would help. ASE certified will help.
Your own auto insurance may be of help depending on rules where you are. Here you do get licensed to adjust damage and put a price to it.
Don't touch the thing at HT said. For all anyone knows it was road debris punching a hole in something and all the oil was lost??
Try NOT to lose your cool as that won't help.
Good luck with the fix. From a web site and not being right there is tough from the get go,
T
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comnavguy
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Dec 26, 2010, 5:23 PM
Post #6 of 9
(2749 views)
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Re: 01 Saturn Oil change Monday, Engine explodes Tuesday
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I did mean certified mechanic.
It was the wrong filter. The seal fit almost completely INSIDE the seat. That's what cut the edge of the rubber.
The owner is being cooperative and said his guy put the wrong filter on the car and that he (the owner) will have to replace the engine.
We'll see after the holiday rush if the new engine gets replaced.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Dec 26, 2010, 5:47 PM
Post #7 of 9
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Re: 01 Saturn Oil change Monday, Engine explodes Tuesday
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Stuff happens and that's the right thing for them to do,
T
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Dec 26, 2010, 5:56 PM
Post #8 of 9
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Re: 01 Saturn Oil change Monday, Engine explodes Tuesday
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It's good that he has agreed to that. Just make sure he follows through and be careful what he uses for an engine. Don't accept a used engine ans you never know what you are getting. Demand a remanufactured long block. he should have insurance coverage for it anyway.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Sidom
Veteran
/ Moderator
Dec 26, 2010, 7:12 PM
Post #9 of 9
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Re: 01 Saturn Oil change Monday, Engine explodes Tuesday
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Whether they have to use a new, reman or used would depend on the mileage. Most state's laws vary but if it's high mileage, then more than likely if push came to shove and it went to court that is all they would be liable for....
Our shop have a very similar case with a high mileage Chevy. Tech error ruined an engine. The SM was going to put a low mile used engine in it. The customer refused because he wanted new/reman, sued us and lost.
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