In Reply to: Jiffy Lube Screwed Up !@#*! ... Any Advice? ... more posted by Stu (Stu) on March 31, 1999 at 13:00:04
That is a real tough one. Since there may be no proof of any damage any legal action against them is likely to fail. Jiffy Lube managment will know that. In fact, they probably rely on that fact DAILY at the rate they screw up. (the horror stories I have heard!)
If they make you any kind of settlement offer you should probably take it. If it goes to court you would have to prove damage. Even if you can show that there is a little engine wear, it would be very hard to put a dollar value on it.
If the damage was severe you will see a reduction in compression or a faster leakdown. My guess is that unless you were offroading or in very dirty conditions that won't show up after 2K miles.
You are probably ok. I would DEFINETELY change your oil ASAP! Dirty air leads to dirty oil!
so
1) You are probably ok. Even a good air filter passes a little dirt. Engines can take a little dirt.
2) Change the oil ASAP. Also change the air filter since there may be dirt on the CLEAN side of the filter.
3) If you start to feel there was damage, have a garage test the compression and leak down.
4) Document EVERYTHING, particularly all correspondance w/ Jiffy Lube.
5) Stop using the quick change places OR start double checking them on every visit. You are not the first person to have a problem with them. When I used to go to those places I ALWAYS stood around and watched for things like the air filter cover and the oil drain plug.
Your story sucks dude. I hope it all works out for you. My guess is that your engine is probably OK.
Andy B