Drip, Drip, Drip

TJ959 · Jun 24, 2005

Had my oil changed at a quiick oil change [not Speedco]. The guy screwed up my drain plug and repaired it with a standard Helicoil without asking me. Needless to say it started leaking within a few days. Now I'm having trouble getting it fixed. Freightliner had it for a day and decided I needed a new oil pan (they want more for it than Cat does). I said no thanks. Seems to me it could just be removed and welded shut. The thing has four drain plugs so I don't think I'd miss one. Also seems like there should be some kind of insert or self tapping drain plug available. I'd do it myself if I had a place to work and a place to put all that oil................So whadaya think.???????????? Cat 3126

LDB · Jun 24, 2005

I've attempted 3 changes at one of the chains and had trouble 2 out of 3 times. It's the dealer for me from now on.

Leo
truck 4958

Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.

Tennesseahawk · Jun 24, 2005

Freightliner screwed up my drainplug by using an airgun. Apparently that's a common reason for having to replace the plugs. From now on, I ask the guy servicing to use just a wrench, so I don't go through that again.

TJ959 · Jun 24, 2005

I've been to about 6 places today and finally gave up. I'm replacing the oil pan at the Sterling dealer here. Tried Freightliner and they wanted someting like list plus 10% fot the pan plus a whole bunch for emergency overnight freight. Sterling didn't have it either but could get it just as fast with no extra charge. Plus the price for the part was retail. Everyone would like wholesale but at least it isn't retail plus plus.

davekc · Jun 24, 2005

They do make a self tapping drain plug but as to whether it can be used depends on the damage. The other option would to be use a small amount of gasket sealer and screw the old in and not use that one.

THawk is correct. NEVER let them use a impact wrench to remove or tighten oil plugs. As mentioned, have them use a manual torque wrench.

I believe all the Speedco's use a manual torque wrench.

Hope it gets fixed either way.

Davekc

Loose_Cannon47 · Jun 24, 2005

I hope they got all the filing out after they put the helicoil in... wouldn't want that stuff left in the pan...

Loose

TJ959 · Jun 25, 2005

I usually use Speedco but this place was handy to where I was Parked and it was a brand name place. I keep kicking myself because there was a Speedco within 15 miles of where I was sitting. Oh well. Lesson learned. A shame it had to cost like tuition for higher education.

Broompilot · Jun 25, 2005

I can give you all a good one. Don't bother trying to save $ on oil changes out there. Use an authorized dealer, you will pay $25 more but when they screw up there is no argument just pull into the next Cummins, Freightliner, Cat dealer and let them fix it.

I could go into a long story, but the reality was paid a Truck Stop shop to change the oil, wrong filters so we put the old one back on. OK go to a authorized dealer because a dash light came on and also to pay for and install a new fuel filter $105 please. So now I have paid $137 plus $105. Hmmm one oil change at a authorized dealer $160 its just not worth all of the hassle.

I also have a local shop if my truck comes home for a week with only 7K on the oil he is gona get changed on her for a half a day. Its not worth the inconvience for the small amount of savings.

Some may not agree but getting my money back is not worth the fight.

NEVERHOME247 · Jun 27, 2005

Just a suggestion on a inexpensive temporary fix. Go to auto parts store and buy a expansion plug and put in it. They are used in cars with blown freeze out plugs and work great. Would work just as well in your oil pan. Your should be able to have your old pan repaired. Not sure if your pan is aluminum or not. But years ago when I work at a FL dealership. We used to send aluminum pans off of 3406 ETC. and have cracks repaired. Any way good luck.