TheSamba.com :: View topic

Fri Jun 13, 2008 10:48 pm

So here we go, I've got my 02 vw beetle, she's a diesel, always maintained at the same shop, same mechanic, all maintenance done on time. Problem is last oil change and my threading on the aluminum oil pan/steel plug got jacked up. :( My mechanic hela coiled it, slapped on 2 O rings and said to watch it. I am usually totally cool with their work, we had no real issues, good work done and good working relationship. They have changed my oil every 5-6k for the past 130k.

Well now she's leaking oil like crazy (its only been 3k) and she needs to have the oil pan replaced.

Here's the ? should I pay for the oil pan/labor to be replaced $335 or should the shop that does all my work suck it up and pay for the damage? They're saying they are offering me a deal, but I'm Not feeling the love.

What would you do?

Sat Jun 14, 2008 6:42 am

They buggered the threads - they replace the pan...so long as the "repair" had been noted on any previous work order. Who's to say that they won't say you did it if there is no record of the previous repair?

Sat Jun 14, 2008 6:57 pm

I vote that they replace the pan. Or if they won't do it for you, get the pan and the tube of sealer and replace it yourself. the pan and sealer will cost about $110-120, I replaced mine twice before I got the 1/4" aluminum skid plate to protect it from rocks.](*,) Its 20 bolts using a 10mm socket and 3 bolts using a 17mm IIRC. an hour and a half or maybe 2 and you're done. 8)

Sun Jun 15, 2008 1:29 am

busfreak_71 wrote: I vote that they replace the pan. Or if they won't do it for you, get the pan and the tube of sealer and replace it yourself. the pan and sealer will cost about $110-120, I replaced mine twice before I got the 1/4" aluminum skid plate to protect it from rocks.](*,) Its 20 bolts using a 10mm socket and 3 bolts using a 17mm IIRC. an hour and a half or maybe 2 and you're done. 8)

X2

Fri Jun 27, 2008 1:55 pm

Pierre G wrote: busfreak_71 wrote: I vote that they replace the pan. Or if they won't do it for you, get the pan and the tube of sealer and replace it yourself. the pan and sealer will cost about $110-120, I replaced mine twice before I got the 1/4" aluminum skid plate to protect it from rocks.](*,) Its 20 bolts using a 10mm socket and 3 bolts using a 17mm IIRC. an hour and a half or maybe 2 and you're done. 8)

X2
X3

IF they noted it on the work order, they are responsible. At the very least they should eat the labor. The first site I checked has the oil pan for $165-68 so they are not doing you a favor. If it's not on the work order you are at their mercy. In that case I would find a new shop. I wouldn't give any more money to someone who doesn't stand behind their work.

Instead of a HeliCoil, why didn't he just retap it for a bigger drain plug? Either way, they should fix it... mechanic error caused the threads to get messed up.