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From: ark@alice.UucP (Andrew Koenig)
Newsgroups: net.auto
Subject: Re: Loss of oil causing permanent damage?
Message-ID: <4760@alice.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 31-Dec-85 22:47:39 EST
Article-I.D.: alice.4760
Posted: Tue Dec 31 22:47:39 1985
Date-Received: Wed, 1-Jan-86 06:42:23 EST
References: <833@inuxd.UUCP>
Organization: Bell Labs, Murray Hill
Lines: 27

> I left the car my daughter drives (a '78 Toyota Celica) at the
> local Firestone service facility for an oil and filter change and
> lube job.  We picked up the car 1 1/2 hours later and she started
> home.  She got about three miles when the banging noise under the
> hood became louder than her radio (there is an unconfirmed report
> that the whole neighborhood is going deaf from her radio, so you
> see how loud the banging must have been).  She stopped at a Shell
> station, where the oil was checked.  Nothing registered on the
> dipstick.  The Shell station operator called Firestone, they came
> out and changed the filter and put in some oil.

> The Shell station operator said to watch for permanent damage.  

> What are the signs of permanent damage?  There's no banging, but
> a car that NEVER dripped oil before has left a puddle in the
> garage.  I guess that could be pre-spilled oil, just now reaching
> the ground.  What should I watch for?  Should I find a good
> mechanic and have him/her check for anything?  What?  What would
> you do, after shaking your fist at Firestone, of course.

You have already found signs of permanent damage -- the noises you
heard.  They weren't caused by elves, you know.  If I were in the same
situation, I would call a lawyer IMMEDIATELY.  The trouble is that if
the car falls apart in two years, and you then try to sue Firestone,
you are going to have one heck of a time proving that it wouldn't
have fallen apart anyway without their mistake.  Thus it is essential
that you take action NOW.