You guys can trash me all you want, but the gasoline has nothing to do with what happened, and the car was hardly ever taken above 6K RPMs. The car was not abused and I even followed what Toyota put on my 1st oil change sticker - 24000 miles (I bought it with 18K). The car burned excessively, and that's the car's fault, not mine. My only fault was not checking the oil between changes, but in 22 years, I never have and until now did not see a need.

Now I'm done with this thread and will just work on saving up the $ to get to repaired.

 

I am certainly not trying to trash you or anyone else. I don't think there is a design flaw in the car. I do think Kaiser has a valid point in that there should be an idiot light that kicks on when the oil is low. I don't know if the car has one or not since I have not specifically looked for it. But even if one is not there, I would not qualify that as a design flaw, but more of a feature.

I routinely change my engine oil every 3K and check the oil in between changes as part of my routine maintenence. But everyone has their own routine.

What happened to you is unfortunate indeed. I don't think Honda was at fault, more like Jiffy Lube. I believe Jiffy Lube has an ASE sign hanging on their premises so that should qualify them to work on a car. If they mess up, then they are responsible. However, it may be difficult to prove their responsibility. In anycase, before plopping down 5K on a new motor, you might want to seek legal advice.

If you have consistent maintenence records, you might be able to get JL to accept responsibility for the repairs.

In a way, this is like using aftermarket parts for repairs. As long as it meets OEM standards, you can use them without hurting your warranty. I believe there is a similar statute regarding SAE repairs, but you should seek legal advice to know what your rights are.

 

I would like to make it clear that knocking CAN cause cylinder wear and cylinder wear IS and can ONLY be the cause of oil burning this severe. Whether your usage of low-octane fuel was the source is debatable.

I'm not sure why people find this so hard to believe. A friend called me 2 days ago to tell me the oil light came on in his '00 Civic Si (B16A). He didn't know better and drove with the light on for a full day before checking the oil level. He had to put 4 quarts in it! The motor has 100k miles on it, he bought it used a few months ago. He had the oil changed when he got it, checked the level afterwards, it's been 2000 miles since then.

You can burn QUARTS between changes with no visible signs. What makes smoke is large amounts in a short time- a leaking valve seal, bad rings... creating puffs on deceleration or takeoff. When all the rings or all the seals are going, a small amount continuously can be ingested and not be noticed via the tailpipe, plugs, or other means.

I don't think anyone is wrong to have someone change the oil in their car, or work on their car- but you should ALWAYS check the oil when someone else does it, watch for leaks, etc., and then check the level in between. You shouldn't HAVE to do it, but it's just one of life's lessons that comes hard learned.

As for lights, most mfrs use a pressure light that is triggered when pressure falls below only a few psi. It's only been recently that manufacturers (like GM) have started doing oil LEVEL indication. This is a far better way to prevent damage. By the time the pressure idiot light comes on, it is already too late. Damage has been done.

 

yep, that the way my '00 civic was. just a light, and by the time I was able to catch it most of the damage had already been done.

 

RioYellow:

I gather from your posts (haven't read them all mind you) that you work in the service division for a Honda Dealership. Is it a good idea to become 'buddy-buddy' with a service tech? They are the guys that initially handle your request and take your keys right? Is it appropriate to tip them for hopes of getting/maintaining better service?

Adam

 

Those are your service advisors who you give the keys to and who you do most of your interaction with. It's a good Idea to get one you like, and stick with them. They becom indispensible if you have warranty issues - they act as your advocate because they are familiar with you and your car. Don't tip...it's needless. Just keep coming back and seeing the same advisor.
It makes them feel better if they know that you acknowledge their good work they've done for you by you coming back to see them when you need service. If you bounce around from adivosr to advisor...it shows that you don't really car who handles your car...Same with the techs. You can specify a tech also. Look on your service invouce and you'll have the tech's name. If this tech did a great job, returned your car clean (clean interior, engine bay, etc.) you should ask for them again. When the same tech see the car again, you've acknowledged that you like his work, and he'll more than likely see your car in a different light, as opposed to just another work order.

I'm in the New car sales dept. however.

 

Cool, Thanks!