Is there such a thing as forensics for engine oil? I am bringing a consumer case on a used car purchase.?

Question

Basically the car engine destroyed itself after only 50 miles. It sounded fine when purchased. Are there additives that an unsrupulous dealer can put in the oil that will revive the engine just long enough to sell it? Is there a way to test for those by some sort of lab analysis and if so, do you know of any labs that do it and how much does it cost?

Answer 1

www.shell-lubricants.com
www.shellcare.com

Answer 2

When any Maintenance is done by others check it out; Look for leaks, and when You park , check the pavement for fresh oil ;Pull the oil dipstick,You should have heard some Racket and Smell;The oil change only shops do not have Mechanics,They hire Min.Wage people and Usually less than 40 Hours:A helpful tool for You would be an Auto-Class at Vo-Tech;I said all that to say this,That shop Owes You a new or Rebuilt engine; I do my own Mechanic work--and in the Military You as a Driver check Fluids every day and do a walk around;same with Air-Craft, because when you sign on a checkout sheet,that You have done this; Some people didn't and the result :Repremand first time then Extra duty and third time ,You will not be driving;

Answer 3

If you go to any diesel Shop they can instruct you on how and where to purchase a oil analysis.They usually cost about 10 to 15 dollars.This will tell you what most likely happened to the engine.You will need a good reputable certified mechanic with good knowledge of this car and engine with a detail cause and estimate of repair.The dealer will try to convince the Judge that car was in good working order when you drove off.So make sure you have all the details ready and able to present your case .Go to small claims court due to the fact it is under 5000. dollars.Be sure to file soon as you do not want statue of limitations to run out.Go to court dressed well .

Answer 4

There are various companies that do oil sampling,they can check everything from levels of soot in the oil to checking for metal fragments in the oil. There will always be of course metal and soot in oil,the key is how much. Any decent lube shop should be able to give you a referral to one of these testing centers,most likely something else was wrong however,like an oil pump or water pump,and of course you should have gotten some warning like a check engine light etc. So it would be imperative to have the whole car checked out for anything tell tale,good luck.

Answer 5

Yes there is different additives that you can put in a motor!! Someone probably put thicker oil like a 20w40 in it plus a additive which will makes it like molasses!! But you will probably hear something from the engine once the temperature reaches high but it won't be as loud as just putting regular 5w30 oil! as for a lab i am not sure but there probably is somewhere but it will cost allot of money!! Good luck!!

Answer 6

sounds more like he forgot to put oil in it or water and it got hot, you should hear some kind of warning before it blows or comes to a stop.

in the old days they put sawdust in the trans and rear to quiet them.

A heavy grade of oil would mask some noise, but when it get hot and thins out you would probably hear something

there are places that you can send a sample to check at
http://google.com

Answer 7

No. There is no product that will do that. What exactly went wrong in the motor? The previous owner may have known however there is no guarantee the dealer did.

Answer 8

yes.