Jiffy Lube Complaint - Jiffy Lube burned my engine up

Posted by Starlord on 2010-01-26:

Sorry, but you provide nothing to indicate Jiffy Lube was at fault for your troubles. Did the oil light come on? What about the check engine light? If it lost power, you should have stopped immediately and checked the engine yourself. I have done literally over a thousand LOFs and in one instance, the owner of the car brought his own oil and filter, which he purchased at a cut-rate place. When the engine was started, oil spewed everywhere. His el cheapo oil filter had split down the seam. The manager of the shop replaced his junker filter and store brand oil with our top of the line filter and Pennzoil. If your engine failed within fifteen minutes of leaving the shop, there had to be some kind of sign of trouble. Jiffy Lube can't control your negligence, evidenced by your lack of checking the trouble when the first sign of trouble appeared.

Posted by PepperElf on 2010-01-26:

i won't buy the "jiffy lube broke the car" line either
not without an actual verification from a trained mechanic

Posted by dan gordon on 2010-01-26:

as stated you haven't said anything to give us why you think Jiffy Lube ruined your truck. More details would add credibility.

Posted by The_Judge on 2010-01-26:

I don't know what the prior work has to do with the story or who did the work. I'd like to see more details but I tend to side with the OP. Just coincidently, after the oil change, the engine loses power and knocks?? Could be, I suppose but I don't think it is a coincidence. I hope the OP comes back to give the results. Sounds like the engine ran out of oil. Did they replace the oil after they drained it?? I've heard of that happening before.

Posted by Starlord on 2010-01-26:

I have seen cars that oil was not put in after draining, and I have seen workers forget to replace the drain plug and strip the threads on the plug. In every case, however, there are indications that something is wrong, so the engine can be shut down before damage is done. One of the steps in doing an LOF is to start the engine and watch for the oil light to go out, and conduct a visual inspection for any sign of oil leakage. If the drain plug falls out, again, it will lose power and start knocking before the engine seizes. I have seen people try to drive the vehicle with it knocking (wrist pins slapping, actually), with no power and smoke billowing out of the hood. There had to have been some indication something was wrong. Engines don't just suddenly quit after running normally for fifteen minutes. I still say the OP ignored the engine's distress signals.

Posted by saj80 on 2010-01-26:

First, all of the mechanics I know say that an engine flush is a total waste of money; it is merely an income-producing sales pitch for quick lube establishments. Second, you said you wanted the oil changed after having the head gaskets replaced, but all reputable mechanics change the oil after this repair, as sometimes antifreeze/water can seep into the engine block during the repair process. Not sure why you felt another oil change was necessary. I would let their mechanic look at it, and then have your mechanic look at it; if they don't agree, you will probably have to start legal action (small claims?) against the local Jiffy Lube, but you will need very solid evidence to win a case like this.