Oil Filter Failure?

Question

Here's the story. In January, my car (1999 Cavalier) started smoking when I drove it. Took it to the dealership and they said the oil filter was bad. Changed the oil, cleaned the engine for $150, which was fine by me. 1 month later, same problem. Took it to the shop, they said the oil filter they put on the month before was defective. Changed it and cleaned the engine for free since I paid the last time. This was 3 weeks ago. 2 days ago...SAME PROBLEM! I'm going to bring it in again, but I highly doubt that 2 oil filters they put on my car are both defective. I felt around under the hood and it looks like the oil leak is again coming from the filter. What could be causing this to happen every few weeks? Why weren't the mechanics able to find it the last 2 times? Since this is the 3rd time I've had to bring it in after they assured me they fixed it, do I have any right to demand a discount beyond the original $150 I paid?

The thing that's interesting to me is that every time they've fixed it, it's been fine for about 3-4 weeks, and then it starts to leak again. What could that mean?

This car was brought to a dealership all three times. And the actual smoking is the leaking oil being burned off when I drive, so I don't think there's any damage to the engine because the engine itself isn't smoking.

I hesitate to bring it somewhere new because, like I said, I've already paid this dealership $150 and if they need to fix something, I can have them put that money back toward any additional repairs.

Answer 1

I'd be very suspicious of this situation! I have a few questions.

Was this a Chevy dealer or just a repair shop?
Were they using a factory filter or a cheap brand?
Is there a service bulletin on this problem?

I have seen filters fail and you either get one that leaks, one that plugs or one the comes apart and fills your oil filter pick-up full of crap. None of these situations are any good for your car engine and all can cause a major engine failure.

The only time I have ever seen multiple failures was from a vehicle with a plugged relieve valve and the oil pressure was way too high. (This can be tested for with a gauge.)

I recommend you take the car to another dealer. (Ask around to get recommedations.) If your engine is smoking, I think damage has already been done.

I was a professional mechanic for 20 years, but not on Chevys so I can't address any specific problems they may have had. If you've owned the car all this time without a problem my best guess would be that either someone installed the wrong filter, the filter did indeed go bad and damaged the engine for which a "cleaning" isn't going to fix anything or the problem had nothing to do with the filter in the first place.

It might be time for a Toyota.

Answer 2

Two distinct possibilities:
1. The oil filter housing attached to the block is leaking near the filter. They need to Clean the engine first, then run it to see where the oil leak is.
2. There is a possibility that the oil pressure relief valve has failed and that the oil pressure is so high that it is blowing the seal on the filter.
Either way the repairs you paid for were inadequate and you need to contact the Service Manager and tell him to either fix the problem or refer you to a competent dealership who can, Threaten to complain to the Chevrolet Regional Director. You will get results.

Answer 3

It sounds like someone has damaged the plate where the filter seats. It is allowing oil to seep around, even when it is tightened down. (And then may even show damage on the filter once it is removed). Either that or they are idiots, and are overtightening the filter, or using a wrench or filter pliers to tighten it down and are punching holes in it.

I would maybe take it to a different mechanic and see they can determine what the first guy is doing, then demand your money back. All of it.

Answer 4

Oil pump relief valve sticking is most likely. Replace oil pump. Put a pressure gauge on it first and see how high it is going. it may be intermittent. once oil is warm it might go down. i had a car once that blew 3 filters in rapid succession - rubber gasket right out. put a guage on it and it was going over 150 psi. Pump valve sticking. ck your car specs - probably shouldn't go over 75 max and may settle to 30-50 when warm (at idle much lower).

Answer 5

sounds like they are damanging the filter,when they are putting it on,and thats where the oil leak is coming from.take it back and tell them if they dont fix it right this time then you want your money back.sounds like a band-aid garage.

Answer 6

they should find out what the real problem is this time and give you a break