Hi All,

I am not a happy camper today. I had taken my car for a oil change a couple of days ago at a local Honda Only Shop.

I drove the car for the first time last night since the change. I was coming back from Poker Night and about 1 mile from my house, I pushed on the accelerator. The car didn't accelerate. I looked down at the RPM gauge just to make sure it was still running and scanned for any warning lights. About 5 seconds later, the oil light came on and then the car completely shut off.

I put it neutral and coasted to a spot where I could roll it off to the side of the road.

I called a tow truck and when we got it up on the flatbed, we saw that the oil drain screw was out of the car. Oil and smoke was everywhere at this point.

I assumed that the local Honda Shop put the screw back in and didn't tighten it.

I had the car towed to the shop and I was there as soon as they opened this morning. They looked and agreed that it must be their fault. The owner said he did the oil change himself and remembers tightening it but has no other explanation for what it is out.

At this point, they are keeping it locked in their storage garage until Monday and are going to find out the extent of the damage and pay to have it fixed. They said they are sure it has internal damage but they don't know the extent yet.

If the damage is quite extensive, I am going to push for them to get me a new engine. I have taken great care of that car and want it to be at least in the same shape before this incident.

Any advice on where to draw the line on the amount of damage before demanding a new engine would be appreciated.

Dean

 

Man, I hope for the best for you and your S2K.

 

That means your motor has locked you pistons have seized!!! I would not look into having the motor fixed I would have the motor replaced. But I hope that all goes well with your car! ~nate

 

Draw the line at "You didn't tighten the oil pan drain bolt ya moron!!! Gimmie a new engine!!!"

Oh...and then after that all gets worked out, find a new shop...cuz this one will place you on the "nickle-n-dime him for everything we can" road so that they can eventually get their money back over time ...

Sorry to hear about your woes Dean. Amazed to hear a shop "fess up" to their error so quickly. Hope it all works out for you!

- Dave

 

Be easy on the guys. NO MAN would do this to another man. Make them replace the engine with another that is equally as good. (milage wise) Dont beat them up too bad. I dont know your shop but most people in the world arent bad and sometimes SHIT HAPPENS. If you go with a used engine talk to import auto salvage in Marion N.C. those guys will hook you up with a long warranty and sell you a good product. BEST OF LUCK-Derick

 

Thanks for the all the feedback:

First off, let me clarify a few points:

1) I let the shop know I was pissed but stayed calm and acted reasonable. I have been dealing with this Honda shop for three years. This is a top notch shop. The owner personally handles my S2000 each time because he knows I take great care of the car and wants to make sure I am satisifed. There are NO EXCUSED for what he did but they took responsibility and are going to resolve the problem. At this point, I could not ask for more.

2) I am getting ahead of myself about the new engine. The CPU could have cut the engine quick enough to minimize damage. Lets hope the damage is minimal.

3) If I do demand a new engine, it will hurt the resale value of the car even though it is newer. I cant say I agree with this but the facts are the facts.

4) They will know Monday how extensive the damage is. I am going to work with them and discuss our options.

5) I have realize the damage is done and there is nothing I can do to change what happened. I am going to continue to be firm but reasonable with the shop as this continues on.

6) I have learned my lesson. No matter how minor of work, I am going to double check it when it gets out of the shop.

Dean

 

Dean,

First off, major kudos for keeping your cool. Afterall, shit happens. It's obvious that they had no intention of damaging your S2000. They seem to be living up to a good and responsible place of business. In the opposite, should they satisfy you, I would continue to visit their location and pass the word to friends and family.

Afterall, we ALL make mistakes. It's how quickly we own up to them and resolve them that makes a difference. Best of luck and keep us posted.

 

Very well put Airgate.- Great job with keeping your cool.

 

Yea, good job at keeping your cool. Let the guy have a chance to right a wrong.

Hey look at the bright side...[quote]Airgate: major kudos for keeping your cool. Afterall, shi* happens.[unquote] <------------Our : " Site Moderator " has done the swearing for you!

 

VFROOM,

Don't worry, I did plenty of swearing but not at the repair shop. I had to get it out of my system before going in there!

Dean