Leaking after oil change: Lyn writes, “I took my Matrix in for an oil change last week. Two days later, I noticed a good sized (4 inch) puddle of oil on my driveway. Checking the oil, I found that I was almost two quarts low. I added oil and went back to the shop and they repaired the leak at the drain plug. I have gone there for years and have not had a problem. Should I be worried now? Could my engine have been damaged? I read you every week, and thanks for the quick email.”
Mike: Lyn, thanks for the compliment. Your engine should be ok since you never lost oil pressure. I know the shop you went to and they are honest business people. Their oil change tech did not replace the drain plug washer and that caused the leak. The best thing is that you noticed it and didn’t let it cause any damage. If anything, they will be even more careful in the future. Forgiveness is a good thing. -MH
Ginny: “The other day, I filled up with fuel at the grocery store. I had run it pretty low, so I put in a lot of gas. About two miles later, my car started running terribly. It was sputtering and jerking and I thought it was going to strand me. Then the engine light came on. I headed home right away and called my dealer. They checked it the next day and said I had multiple misfires codes in the computer, most likely from bad fuel. They suggested to either drain the fuel or I could try to limp along and use up the bad fuel and replace it with good. Can you still get bad fuel? I think that the station was re-fueled just before I got there. Could that be a factor?”
Mike: Ginny, you most certainly can get bad fuel. It is likely the fuel truck just filled up the stations tanks and stirred up debris that went right in your tank a few minutes later. As a general rule, if you see the station being restocked by a fuel truck, go to the next place. Sure, they have filters, but they don’t always work. I recommend using name brand fuel for a tank or two and then having your fuel filter changed just to be safe. Fuel problems do happen, and if you frequent the same station, they will most likely reimburse you for any problems. Just save your receipts.
Here is a tip: The advantage of having a relationship with a shop or dealer is that they will take care of you if there is ever a problem. They also have your records should you ever need to prove you have had a needed repair. -MH
Listen to The Automotive Reporter radio program with Mike Herzing and Harold Gunn Sunday mornings from 8:00-9:00 on KGOW 1560AM “The Game” or go online www.1560thegame.com to listen to the show. Mike was an ASE Certified Master Tech and auto shop owner for 31 years. Questions or comments? E mail Mike: mikeh@letstalkwheels.com. For an archive of his articles, go to: www.letstalkwheels.com







