I changed my engine oil a week ago, and out of coincidence as I was driving towards the next town in my area my car suddenly stopped and the check engine light came on along the oil light. I didn't know what was wrong but my brother in law who used to be a mechanic looked into the problem and said that the mechanic who replaced my oil placed the filter wrong, and left the oil gasket loose hence leading to a leak and frying my engine.
We called the shop that did the oil change and they actually realized that it was their mistake so they tried to find out if they could fix it, it's been 2 days since I dropped off my car @ their shop so they could repair it and now they are blaming me saying it's my fault. I know the mechanics negligence is what led to this problem and at this point in time I am going crazy over what to do. I know the mechanic is liable, but I don't want to bring in a lawsuit since I don't have enough money nor the time since I am a full time college student. What is your opinion on this and who do you believe the liability falls to?
Now another thing is the mechanic is trying to strip the engine apart to figure out what's wrong with it, but I already know it's the engine that's fried, just in case they refuse to do anything what should I do?
jadamgrd
Sounds like they are at fault. They have to replace the engine. Or you have to sue them. Depending on the car's value you can sue in small claims court. normally for $ 5,000. And then have a newly rebuilt engine installed.
Ronnaferd
See what your insurance company has to say about this. They may be able to help. It sounds like your car ran out of oil and the engine seized. If this is the case you will most likely need a whole new engine. Get the receipts from the work the shop did and look up how to fight it in court in the event the shop refuses to fix it at their expense.
Oh and the easiest way to tell if the engine is seized is to get a wrench on the front of the crankshaft and see if it will turn 360 degrees.
PAUL P
Get your old parts for proof at a later date and it will freak them out. Blue metal is the over heated parts.
jaymax173
You can win this is small claims court it is there fault
Serial Stunter ARRESTS KITTINS
Licenced mechanic/ shop owner here.
Didn't you stop when the red oil light came on? They may be able to beat a lawsuit if your oil light is functioning properly.
I'm not siding with a negligent shop as an oil change isn't rocket science and they should have competent techs that know how to tightnen a filter. I just want to let you know what they may counter your accusations with.
Theneelster
Assuming the filter dropped out and you "bled out" they're going to have to replace the engine (because it's cheaper than replacing the block components by trial and error). To tell you the truth if it were me I'd replace everything from the head gasket down (with the exception of the oil pan itself)...but that's just me. Usually the head retains some oil so it usually doesn't brick.
Well...you should look at getting a lawyer if they won't fix it. But if the oil filter didn't fall out then pretty much you're outta luck. Even if it leaked a bit, unless your block was near bone dry it wouldn't exactly make your engine stop working. Just being honest.
In the future you should change your own oil. If you don't want to use jack stands you can buy ramps or possibly an oil extractor. On most cars, you simply can't access the drain plug without lifting the car. My own car has drop in filter, while they're more expensive to buy they are pain free to change and usually don't leak. GM does right in some situations believe it or not. I finally bought an oil extractor for myself (bad back + lowered car=pita)...I don't know how I lived without it. 1. Pump it 40 times, 2. Place in dipstick; release clamp, 3. Have a cigarette, 4. Remove extractor probe, 5. Put new oil in.
idontgivafork
RULE OF THUMB FOR ALL YOU COLLEGE KIDS OUT THERE! make it a habbit to look at the spot where you parked,even momentarily as you back out.you would have seen the oil on the ground, and youd still be driving your beloved automobile.so in a way it is your fault.and usually the only time that sort of leak happens is when the gasket from the old filter sticks to the boss and then you have 2 gaskets in place.if it went a week, it wasnt a bad leak, but you would have seen a small puddle everywhere you parked.
Cuauhtemoc
Tell them that you dont want to but that you will rport them to the B.A.R. Bereau of Automotive Repair. This will scare the hell out of them. If the BAR gets involved it will cause all sorts of prob;ems for the shop. I think you have a strong case against the shop. Even if they try to say its your fault because they are the experts, not you. but look into the BAR and decided for yourself. You have a good case.
kelly_f_1999
mechanics negligence and a lawyer woul dbe smarter and cheaper thasn repairing it yourself
and to know what is bad you have to take the motor a part an dit might take weeks to repair it id be asking for a new motor get a lawyer
section hand
When any Maintenance is done by others check it out;
Look for leaks, and when You park , check the pavement for fresh oil ;Pull the oil dipstick,You should have heard some Racket and Smell;The oil change only shops do not have Mechanics,They hire Min.Wage people and Usually less than 40 Hours:A helpful tool for You would be an Auto-Class at Vo-Tech;I said all that to say this,That shop Owes You a new or Rebuilt engine;
I do my own Mechanic work--and in the Military You as a Driver check Fluids every day and do a walk around;same with Air-Craft, because when you sign on a checkout sheet,that You have done this;
Some people didn't and the result :Repremand first time then Extra duty and third time ,You will not be driving;
Orignal From: mechanic negligence cost me my car engine due to a bad oil change, what should I do?
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