I went to my dealership today for a simple brake pads replacement and an oil change. I watched my "genius" technician hoist up my car on the lift and commence draining my oil pan. Next, he removes the front wheels and starts installing the two front brake pads. So far, I'm pleased as punch that he's so efficient and can multi-task. Upon finishing the pad installation, he torques the wheels back on and lowers my car back down to the ground. To my horror he proceeds to open the driver's door and sits inside the cockpit to crank up my engine. I leapt out of my waiting area and sprinted for his throat. He realizes that he'd forgotten to refill my engine oil prior to pumping up the pressure in the brake lines. He stutters to me, "don't worry sir, it takes 6 hours for the oil to uncoat from inside the engine after the ignition is turned off so no damage could possibly have been done to the car". It's true that it was on for barely 3 sec before I reached him but is he correct in asserting that he hasn't filled my engine w/ metal shavings?

My car has been kept in showroom condition until "Einstein" worked on it!

 

If it was "barely 3 sec" you should be OK

 

Absolutely no damage.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by thongfoto
He stutters to me, "don't worry sir, it takes 6 hours for the oil to uncoat from inside the engine after the ignition is turned off so no damage could possibly have been done to the car".

 

Assuming that he didn't rev the engine high during those three seconds, I don't think any damage was done. But I believe you should cover your butt just to make sure.

First, get something signed by the dealership admitting that the mechanic did this. If a problem occurs in the future and they deny that this ever happened, then you're S.O.L. Also document everything that occurred, including names. Make sure you document your conversation with the service manager on this as well.

Second, when you get your oil changed the next time get a used oil analysis done. This will show how much wear actually took place on the metal parts. This is positive proof of any damage. You might get the dealer to pay for it (that's the least they should do under the circumstances), or take it elsewhere. Personally, I'd take it elsewhere and pay for it myself, knowing it was done right. Make sure you document this well, including pictures of taking the oil sample. If the UOA comes back with low iron, copper and lead readings, then you can sleep at night knowing that no damage was done.

 

I would have a conversation with the service manager and try to reach some agreement regarding an engine warranty as a result of this mistake.

I have seen this error before (not an S2000) where the engine ran for less than five seconds but the oil pump lost its prime picking up some air so on the subsequent start the oil pressure did not come up fully for twenty or so seconds. That car had bearing failures less than 9K miles later.

 

I'd ask for a warranty extension

 

Thanks a lot guys. This forum is simple the best!

I asked a Honda tech I know in Japan last night about this and he told me precisely what Racer wrote but suggested Ubetit's action. However, I've a feeling that I'll realistically succeed w/ Slalom 44s advice. We'll see what happens.

I just wished the gene pool here could unite and build the next S2K. You're real world experiences combined supercedes any honda engineer's bar none.

 

Hopefully nothing is wrong with the car, and it is a good thing that you are right there watching the tech work on your car. If you were not there watching who knows what else he could have done!

 

I think it's mandatory that you watch anyone touching your S2K. Otherwise, you risk them denying responsibility. Dealerships make most of their profit on service hence they don't have any incentives to cover repairs out of pocket.

The latest update is that they agreed to write a letter detailing the incident for my records.

I'll just think positive and see what happens.

Be safe in those corners out there!