When I picked up my 08 Vanden Plas from the dealer after an oil change today it ran rough, then blew blue smoke on the way home. When I got it onto the highway the 'restricted performance' and 'check engine' lights came on. I stopped and found they had failed to put the oil cap back on. Black liquid was dripping from the tailpipes. After driving for an hour the smoke has cleared and the rough idle is gone. I'll have them turn off the check engine light in the morning, but should they do other maintenance? Would the synthetic oil that was sucked up into the combustion chambers have fouled sensors or plugs?

Thanks for any advice.

Craig

 

Not good.

I would be sorting it with the Service Manager or Dealer Principal, and at least have them wash down the underside of the car, CAREFULLY. I would imagine there would be oil sprayed all over the place. Even the under hood insulation "may" be oil soaked??.

I did that on one of my V12's a long time ago, and a short 1km trip had oil in some very odd places, took some careful cleaning over an extended period to get it all.

 

I'm no expert, but wouldn't leaving the cap off prevent oil pressure from building up? This would mean that parts of the engine which require pressure for proper lubrication would be damaged. I would demand a new engine if this is the case.

 

Nope.

The oil pressure is purely the task of the oil pump.

The oil cap keeps the dirt OUT, and the oil IN. In later cars it plays a bigger role in sealing the crankcase for engine re-breathing systems to operate correctly. Basically part of the emissions system.

Still, if it were mine and MY money had parted for said work, I would be a tad savage.

 

Definitely a matter to discuss with the Service Manager.

Before you return to the dealer, check the oil level on the dipstick to estimate how much was lost with the cap off (actually measure how far below the top level mark).

Also a set of photos in and around the engine compartment so you have evidence of the effects if this later becomes deniable by the dealer.

I think this is more of an annoyance than something likely to have caused any engine damage. However, it does raise the question of what else could have been missed during service.

Graham

 

When I was in the car repair business I had to face customers a few times over the course of the years because of this mistake. Gah! What a mess! New hood/bonnet liners, shop hours wasted cleaning oil from countless nooks and crannies, (naturally) upset customers.

Not quite so bad as draining the engine oil and forgetting to refill the sump, though! THAT gets REALLY expensive.

Aside: a pal of mine with a Ser III XJ6 came to my house so I could help him with some repair issues. I noticed the oil filler cap sitting on the exhaust manifold heat shield. He had added a quart of oil a couple days prior and forgot to reinstall the cap. Very little oil mess but the amazing part is that the oil cap stayed there for 40-50 miles of driving!

Cheers
DD

 

I've done this myself, so know how easy it is.

I suppose the potential is there to create a Dick Van Dyke incident.

 

Yes, a small mistake can have big consequences.

But, to err is human. If the repair shop steps up to willingly and professionally "make good" on the mistake that's about all we can ask for. How mistakes are handled is a good indicator of the quality and integrity of a business or person.

Any business, any person.

Cheers
DD

 

It is without a doubt that dealerships must employ a QA on each project performed in the garage. You are not the only one who has experienced this oversight and others. I personally feel that the problem is in part caused by time restraints and the interest to look over other parts of the car they are working on. I would not concern yourself with the nuts and bolts of what took place unless the dealership does not take responsibility for their actions. I would also suggest that they extend any warrantee repairs on that engine and do it in writing. Any and all repairs related to this situation should be their responsibility.

If it were me I would have a compression test and a coolant system pressure test done before I take possession and have them provide a loaner for the duration. This was not your fault!

 

I did just this thing some weeks ago with my daughter's Fiat 500 !!! Fortunately no harm done.

 

So did you find the oil cap lodged somewhere in the engine bay.

Take pictures etc.

And call them to come and pick you and car up from the road side?

Black liquid from tail pipes can be absolutely normal, providing it is condensed water mixed with crud from the exhaust system, especially with a cold engine.

I'm not suggesting for one minute that your experience is anything less than genuine, but they might want to.

To compensate you for this inconvenience, try the tack that the Dealer will offer you your next service FOC.

You are far more likely to come back here with a glowing report if they do.

 

Yep, me too, however, we are not being paid and trustd by someone to do it for us - aside from ourselves...doesn't seem so bad if I do it to myself.....Allan

 

I gave myself a good talking to!

 

Just remember that the next service FOC is not going to compensate you or comfort you about residual results resulting in them not doing the job properly the first time. Remember you put your trust in them to do the job properly.

 

Take comfort in the fact that while messy, it is highly unlikely that there is any damage to the engine. The restricted performance and rough running was solely from the effects of the ventilation system being unsealed.

If you read the codes, they will confirm this.