About a month ago my wife was caught in a flash flood. Water got into the car and it stalled. In about an hour the car started but 'check engine light' was on. Our mechanic mentioned that the computer may have been damaged. He checked the computer told us it was ok and the engine light came off. Mind you we then cancelled a scheduled assessment by the insurance (Geico) to check the car because the car was running.
Fast forward to today, and while driving the engine block just blew. A big crack in the engine spilling all the oil.
I was told that water may have been in engine and got between pistons causing it to seize. I was told oil should have been changed. What recourse do we have because engine is shot? Is mechanic liable. I believe he is if it is common practice to replace engine oil.
How should we proceed? Insurance is scheduled to make assessment.
2007-08-24 07:51:02 · 5 answers · asked by jyoomoe 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
If there was water in the engine oil, it would have formed a film on the dipstick, and the oil would have looked like a chocolate milkshake. When you checked the oil level (you do check your oil regularly, don't you? It would be negligent for you not to do so) you would have seen this evidence!
How deep was the car under water? Unless it was seriously dunked (hood submerged) there is little chance that water entered the oil!
You took the car to the mechanic and asked him about the check engine light. At that time the car was running. He checked the computer, and reset the light for you! He did not do a full and complete check of the vehicle, nor did you pay him to do so. He did what you asked!
The mechanic did nothing wrong. The car ran fine for a month after you had him reset the light! I do not think that the motor problem is related to the car getting wet!
Sorry!
2007-08-24 08:12:35 · answer #1 · answered by fire4511 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
You have 2 years to update an insurance claim. You can still get the insurance company to pay for the flood damage, but it would be a good idea to take it to 2 mechanics and get receipts showing that they have assesed the damage as being caused from flood water in the oil. You should be set. You will have a lot better luck persueing the insurance company rather than the mechanic. I am sure that he will take the stance that he only assed water damage to the computer and did not inspect the engine and would there by not be liable.Good Luck
2007-08-24 15:13:09 · answer #2 · answered by Big Deall 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
He should have talked to you about water in the oil, if you told him it was in flood water.
Just because he laid hands on the car does not make him responsible for all that happens. You did the damage by running the car into flood waters. You canceled the insurance call.
The mechanic can only do what you authorize.
2007-08-24 15:17:51 · answer #3 · answered by epitt72 3 · 4⤊ 1⤋
the cause of the "check engine light" might be from the oxygen sensor
is not working probably,and i have no idea for the cause of the oil problem.
2007-08-24 15:21:10 · answer #4 · answered by MyRules 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
i would suspect the engine hydraulicked and bent a conecting rod when it first was stalled by injesting the flood water.... later the stress on the rod finally cracked and exited the block..oil change or not...
2007-08-24 15:06:12 · answer #5 · answered by John St.Louis 5 · 3⤊ 3⤋