First off, I apologize the long read.
I know this is an issue with the gorillas at the dealers. I have also read most, if not all of the oil pan issue threads. My story is sort of the same, but with a twist and I need some advice.
The dealer, about 3-4 years ago stripped the upper oil pan plug. I noticed oil underneath the car, brought it back to the dealer, went back and forth with the service manager and got him to fix it (helicoiled). Helicoils are ok if something isn't going to be messed with constantly, like a head bolt and such. Oil pan plugs are constantly fiddled with and they just don't last.
Yesterday, while getting my oil changed (free for the me at the dealer), the service advisor comes in and says "Come with me- I've got bad news." Well, the helicoil stripped out and they can't get a new one in. Of course, the first words out of his mouth are "New pan is $2700. I'm sure the service manager will be willing to work with you." I'm sure.
I talk with the SM and he 's that it's a wear and tear item, so it's the customer's responsibility. He agreed with me that the helicoil is a temporary fix, but the remedy is a new oil pan. "We'll credit you $350 from the repair cost."
I'm borderline livid. Since they screwed the pooch in the first place and gooned the pan up and their fix hasn't worked, I would assume that it's on them to take care of it. His line of the oil pan is essentially a consumable item I don't buy- I have two Alfa Romeos that are 29 and 38 years old, they have aluminum pans but they've never been stripped... Somehow, in the dealers way of thinking, this is my fault. They are they only ones in the life of the car that have changed the oil and touched the plugs.
Need some options- I really don't want to shell out for a new pan. some of you have run into this before and have come up solutions- expandable rubber plugs, brazing a nut to "extend" the threads out, another insert like a helicoil... Small Claims?
The SM said he would get back to me. They are paying for a rental car right now, but I don't know how long this will last.
Your collective advice is always welcomed. Thanks.
I know this is an issue with the gorillas at the dealers. I have also read most, if not all of the oil pan issue threads. My story is sort of the same, but with a twist and I need some advice.
The dealer, about 3-4 years ago stripped the upper oil pan plug. I noticed oil underneath the car, brought it back to the dealer, went back and forth with the service manager and got him to fix it (helicoiled). Helicoils are ok if something isn't going to be messed with constantly, like a head bolt and such. Oil pan plugs are constantly fiddled with and they just don't last.
Yesterday, while getting my oil changed (free for the me at the dealer), the service advisor comes in and says "Come with me- I've got bad news." Well, the helicoil stripped out and they can't get a new one in. Of course, the first words out of his mouth are "New pan is $2700. I'm sure the service manager will be willing to work with you." I'm sure.
I talk with the SM and he 's that it's a wear and tear item, so it's the customer's responsibility. He agreed with me that the helicoil is a temporary fix, but the remedy is a new oil pan. "We'll credit you $350 from the repair cost."
I'm borderline livid. Since they screwed the pooch in the first place and gooned the pan up and their fix hasn't worked, I would assume that it's on them to take care of it. His line of the oil pan is essentially a consumable item I don't buy- I have two Alfa Romeos that are 29 and 38 years old, they have aluminum pans but they've never been stripped... Somehow, in the dealers way of thinking, this is my fault. They are they only ones in the life of the car that have changed the oil and touched the plugs.
Need some options- I really don't want to shell out for a new pan. some of you have run into this before and have come up solutions- expandable rubber plugs, brazing a nut to "extend" the threads out, another insert like a helicoil... Small Claims?
The SM said he would get back to me. They are paying for a rental car right now, but I don't know how long this will last.
Your collective advice is always welcomed. Thanks.
