car dealership service dept supposedly did pressure test on coolant system said it passed. later oil tested by valvaline found 2% coolant in oil. oil ultimately turned to tar engine was destroyed. serv dept was told about cont loss of coolant. need good mechanic input
2006-09-21 12:19:28 · 5 answers · asked by greywolf 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
It is possible for it to pass a pressure test and still experience this sort of failure.
If the car was tested in only one state, (HOT or COLD) and passed, and the tech didn't test in opposite state, he could have considered it to have passed. Or if he tested it for 2-3 minutes, rather than 30, he could have missed the loss.
2006-09-21 12:28:57 · answer #1 · answered by Ironhand 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is possible to pass the coolant pressure test as this test only looks for external leaks and not the internal leaks. However, if you were loosing coolant and the car was overheating with no external leaks it is automatically understood that there is a leak somewhere, if not external then surely internal. A check of engine oil and transmission oil is the next step, however 2% is a very small level to be detected by feeling the oil between the fingers for lubricity. A good tech will then go for oil analysis. Negligence is indicated or possible lack of expertise.
2006-09-21 12:37:17 · answer #2 · answered by Tashfeen Qayyum 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This would be a head gasket failure. You will need to disconnect and back wash the whole coolant system. Then get a new head gasket and replace the old one, if you are unsure how to consult a knownedgble friend or family friend or mechanic. Then refill coolant system according to manufacturers specs. Sorry about the luck. Check thermostat also making sure your coolant system isn't obstructed (heater core/ thermostat) also make sure you are getting flow from water pump.
2016-03-27 01:25:58 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if the head gasket is just "slightly blown" then yes. 2% is not much but it's enough. If you had the oil tested by valvoline then that is proof that the car dealership only passed the problem over.
The dealership should have checked the oil out as well. Many times dealerships will pass the problem off until it's out of warranty to not have to do warranty work. If this is the case...take the car back to the dealer with your evidence and tell them it is their fault and they should have fixed the problem before it got that severe. This can be a pain but it's worth it
2006-09-21 12:28:02 · answer #4 · answered by Kenneth S 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pressure tests do NOT test for heat related cracks / IE: it gets hot the crack opens up, it now leaks. This is more common on Alum than cast steel... Even the 'leak down test' will not show heat related cracks.
(Don't know that I'm a good mechanic, but I have done it a long time - mechanics that is...)
2006-09-21 12:29:08 · answer #5 · answered by theleb63 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋