Oil Filter O ring split during service !!
Discussion
Should it have been spotted by the Garage?
A week ago I had an "A" service done on my C Class
When I got it back I could smell burnt/burning oil so assumed that they'd spilt some when refilling, not great but thought it would soon burn off so didn't worry too much about it.
I did look under the bonnet to check that the oil filler cap and dipstick were still there and tight in case that was the cause and both were.
However, last night (c150 miles after service) the Oil warning message came up (saying check at next fill up) so I checked oil levels and it didn't even reach the bottom of the dipstick!!
Every Time I parked I left a nice puddle of oil!!
Chucked 2 litres of oil in, drove home gently and this morning rang the garage.
Give them their dues that came virtually immediately, put nearly 5 litres of oil in (didn't get half way up dipstick) and took car back to garage.
They rang a little while later, completely acknowledging that it was their issue and they would sort it, and explained that the filter is some sort of paper cartridge, so to replace they unscrew the chamber, remove and replace paper cartridge and screw shut again.
The part that's failed is the O Ring in the cap that the screw/unscrew but they aren't able to tell this.
My question really is threefold;
- is this true (process)
- if so is it reasonable that they can't tell it's happened until it's too late?
- should I be asking them for a refund the cost of the 2 litres of oil I chucked in last night to get me home and asking them to sort all the oil which I've now seen os on my drive from the leak?
- is it liekly to have caused any long term damage at all?
A week ago I had an "A" service done on my C Class
When I got it back I could smell burnt/burning oil so assumed that they'd spilt some when refilling, not great but thought it would soon burn off so didn't worry too much about it.
I did look under the bonnet to check that the oil filler cap and dipstick were still there and tight in case that was the cause and both were.
However, last night (c150 miles after service) the Oil warning message came up (saying check at next fill up) so I checked oil levels and it didn't even reach the bottom of the dipstick!!
Every Time I parked I left a nice puddle of oil!!
Chucked 2 litres of oil in, drove home gently and this morning rang the garage.
Give them their dues that came virtually immediately, put nearly 5 litres of oil in (didn't get half way up dipstick) and took car back to garage.
They rang a little while later, completely acknowledging that it was their issue and they would sort it, and explained that the filter is some sort of paper cartridge, so to replace they unscrew the chamber, remove and replace paper cartridge and screw shut again.
The part that's failed is the O Ring in the cap that the screw/unscrew but they aren't able to tell this.
My question really is threefold;
- is this true (process)
- if so is it reasonable that they can't tell it's happened until it's too late?
- should I be asking them for a refund the cost of the 2 litres of oil I chucked in last night to get me home and asking them to sort all the oil which I've now seen os on my drive from the leak?
- is it liekly to have caused any long term damage at all?
Edited by Marcellus on Thursday 30th November 16:47
What engine is it? Mercedes dealer? Is the car still under warranty?
Most, if not all, MBs do use a paper oil filter, accessed by unscrewing a large black plastic 'cap' which has a central plastic 'rod' attached to it inside a metal housing . The paper filter has a hole thoughout its length in the centre through which the 'rod' passes. There's normally a small 'O-ring' at the bottom of the rod.
The plastic threaded cap (usually approx 80 - 85mm or so diameter) has a larger O-ring seal which tightens onto the metal filter housing as it screws down. It shouldn't be tightened too much, normally about 25nm, otherwise there's a risk that the O-ring, or casing, could split. Under pressure you could lose a fair amount of oil.
I would be a bit concerned that 7 litres of oil has been added, presumably to take it up to max. MB engines normally have a capacity of somewhere around 4.5 - 8 litres, depending on size. You might be lucky and the electronic low-level warning alerted you before any damage was caused. Presumably, the puddles of oil under the car didn't ring any alarm bells?
It sounds as if they've at least accepted some responsibility, which is a positive start. At this stage I'd keep a record of events, people, correspondende etc etc. Even if they check it over and neither they nor you can find any obvious damage, you could consider getting some form of written warranty from them in case something goes awry, related to low oil level, in due course.
Whether they'll pay for 2 litres of oil would be the least of my concerns initially. No doubt they'll refund 2 litres of oil, but you need the main issues sorted first, IMHO.
Most, if not all, MBs do use a paper oil filter, accessed by unscrewing a large black plastic 'cap' which has a central plastic 'rod' attached to it inside a metal housing . The paper filter has a hole thoughout its length in the centre through which the 'rod' passes. There's normally a small 'O-ring' at the bottom of the rod.
The plastic threaded cap (usually approx 80 - 85mm or so diameter) has a larger O-ring seal which tightens onto the metal filter housing as it screws down. It shouldn't be tightened too much, normally about 25nm, otherwise there's a risk that the O-ring, or casing, could split. Under pressure you could lose a fair amount of oil.
I would be a bit concerned that 7 litres of oil has been added, presumably to take it up to max. MB engines normally have a capacity of somewhere around 4.5 - 8 litres, depending on size. You might be lucky and the electronic low-level warning alerted you before any damage was caused. Presumably, the puddles of oil under the car didn't ring any alarm bells?
It sounds as if they've at least accepted some responsibility, which is a positive start. At this stage I'd keep a record of events, people, correspondende etc etc. Even if they check it over and neither they nor you can find any obvious damage, you could consider getting some form of written warranty from them in case something goes awry, related to low oil level, in due course.
Whether they'll pay for 2 litres of oil would be the least of my concerns initially. No doubt they'll refund 2 litres of oil, but you need the main issues sorted first, IMHO.
Thanks Tony, it's a 2011 C180 C Class, and the work was done by a local indi.
I hadn't noticed the oil on the drive as despite having done 150miles over 100 of that was last night and the rest ive got home in the dark/ when it's raining.
So seems most likely they overtightened the cap then? Would age (6years/80,000miles) have any implications?
I hadn't noticed the oil on the drive as despite having done 150miles over 100 of that was last night and the rest ive got home in the dark/ when it's raining.
So seems most likely they overtightened the cap then? Would age (6years/80,000miles) have any implications?
Marcellus said:
Thanks Tony, it's a 2011 C180 C Class, and the work was done by a local indi.
I hadn't noticed the oil on the drive as despite having done 150miles over 100 of that was last night and the rest ive got home in the dark/ when it's raining.
So seems most likely they overtightened the cap then? Would age (6years/80,000miles) have any implications?
Just overtightened it, and didn't make sure the o ring had a touch of oil on to avoid damage. Or a faulty o ring.I hadn't noticed the oil on the drive as despite having done 150miles over 100 of that was last night and the rest ive got home in the dark/ when it's raining.
So seems most likely they overtightened the cap then? Would age (6years/80,000miles) have any implications?
Age of the car isn't relevant.
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