Speedco NIGHTMARE!!!

Topic: Speedco NIGHTMARE!!! (Read 1746 times) previous topic - next topic

Speedco NIGHTMARE!!!

March 10, 2024, 11:39:22 am

Well, as life goes nowadays, so do the morons doing jobs that they should not be doing. Let me preface this post with yes, I know from being an auto mechanic for my entire life, "doing a a job yourself is much better than having others do it" especially in a case of a simple oil change.

So, yesterday 1100hrs. I tell my wife, let's got to the circus freak side show better known as Wal-Mart and pick up some Rotella then drive some 30ish miles west to a less than 1 year old Love's Speedco. So we did, after eating lunch, couple other stops we pull into the still new looking Loves/Speedco. I walk in and the guy says of sorry, no oil changes our new pits are collapsing. I asked him anyway, I said what do you charge to change the oil, oil filter and both fuel filters if I have my own oil & filters. He said ah, you'd be around $80. I asked him where is the next closest Speedco. He said Dallas, Tx or Shreveport, LA. So the wife and I jumped back on I-20 east and around 1500hrs we roll into the Shreveport Speedco. I pull to the door entrance lube#1, this young mid 20's kid flags me in. I get out and explain this young man, I have my own oil & filters. Ok, no problem.

So, wife gets comfortable inside the coach, I stand near the engine to oversee as much as I can of these questionably "qualified" individuals. Not passing judgment on these guys but I was a manager over a 10-,minute oil change facility for a good while back in my younger days so yes, I am evaluating these guys. The young one who pulled me in had a ear bud in the whole time and was talking to someone. He eventually dropped into the pit, I then watched a series of him going back and forth to the toolbox getting one socket and wrench after the next. I asked him what was the issue, he said I am trying to find the right size wrench or socket that fits the drain plug. I told him i was not sure off the top of my head but PLEASE DO NOT STRIP IT OUT!!! He said oh no, I am not going to strip it out. moments later, he says, I found the correct wrench. So I squat down looking through the battery compartment watching him. Just about that time, I hear, "oh crap, I stripped it". I was FURIOUS! He comes up from the pit and says, I need to go to the mechanics side and get a mechanic to get it out. moments later, here comes another guy who drops down in the pit with him. After the "mechanic" makes 2-3 trips in/out of the pit, I hear them beating on the drain plug with a hammer. I said what in the $%^$%^ are you guys doing!!!! The mechanic said I am having to beat the wrench onto the plug to turn it which did work fortunately for me at this point. He them comes up with the plug and says, "do you want us to get a new plug or just stick this mangled one back in"?. I said as calmly as I could, please go get me a new plug now! So the mechanic leaves to fetch a new plug around 1545hrs., So I am standing there trying to calm down and I start watching that same young man walking around up top, and talking to his apparent girlfriend based on what I was hearing. He's standing there not doing anything. I still need the oil filter changed, and both fuel filters changed. I walk over to him and say, "are you going to change the filters", he says "oh yeah, i am just resting trying to catch my breath from working on the drain plug". I am in complete and total disbelief at what I am hearing and seeing at this moment.

I grab another guy who in watching looks like he knows what he's doing and I start expressing to him my unhappiness and that this kid needs some help. He steps in and withing 10 minutes he has the oil filters and fuel filter changed. The kid is still talking on his phone and acting like he is in another world. So now, it is closer to 1630hrs or so and still no guy with the drain plug. Keep in mind the whole time I was there, there was only one other truck in lube #2. Time continues to pass, it is now 1715hrs, both the new guy I spoke to who actually knew what he was doing and the kid come walking out in their street clothes and take off. Now there is one guy left and he LITERALLY moves in slow motion, I am not kidding, it is something you would just have to see to believe. I am standing there alone in the bay with my coach for 1.5hrs. The office girl is mopping and cleaning up getting ready to close at 1800hrs. I walk into the office and ask her what is going on. She said the first parts store nearby misunderstood about what application was needed for the drain plug. So then the left and drove another 20ish miles to Bossier City, La to an O'Reillys that actually had the correct plug.

It is now 1800hrs, he shows up with the new plug. He asked me, where is the kid (i do not recall his name, I was too mad to think). I told him that he and the other guy changed clothes and took off. He got mad, he said any lube tech who starts a job has to remain with the job until it is complete. I said, well, not this time! I am on fire by now. my wife is trying to calm me down with no success. So, the guy who moves like frozen molasses gets in the pit and the mechanic has to verbally instruct him how to install and tighten the drain plug. I am NOT kidding! He has to teach him how to use the torque wrench and everything. Again, I am literally in total amazement at what I am witnessing. He finally gets it torqued and comes topside to put the oil in. I brought with me (1) 5-gallon pale and (2) 4-quart jugs. This blew his mind. I had to explain to him how much oil we needed to put in. So, I physically had to help him pour the oil from the gallon bucket to the smaller jugs each time and and hold the funnels. At this point I am speechless, I am too mad to get get mad, I am having that warm flushing feeling come over me like right before you puke. I know in my head if I don't calm down I am going to have a stroke and I do NOT need that on top of my other health issues.

So, he finally fills it up, I start it, kill it, re-check oil level and all is good. Just about that time, some other new guy shows up to help him now that everything is done, imagine that. As I am walking around the coach putting my leftover oil away, I noticed greasy/diesel handprints all over the air filter compartment door and the battery compart door. Again this is just more Jet-A fuel on an already hot as the sun furnace fire. I am fighting with everything in me the need to rage at everyone of these aliens from another planet but Instead, I walk inside very calm, the girl at the counter (she's the "manager"). She says my bill will be $142.00. I said why. She said they are charging me the time the guy was gone to get the drain plug and for the plug itself. More Jet-A fuel on my raging fire. After grinding some enamel off my teeth, I paid the bill. I got in the coach, started it up and halfway out the door it died, air in the lines. So, after pumping the purge valve a million times, it started then died. This went on for 4-5 times before it would stay running. Finally, I got it out of the bay and we sat outside for 15 or so minutes letting it run before hitting the interstate home which is now in the darkness and I do not care for driving this coach in the dark with the poor excuse for headlights FT put on these coaches during those years (1998).

So, I am not going to recommend anyone stay away from Speedco. However, I will make it very clear that I personally will NEVER EVER NEVER EVER NEVER EVER EVER EVER again set foot on any of their stores property for any reason. This was the most repulsive and disgusting example of customer service I do honestly believe I have ever seen in the entire history of my life. I grew up pumping gas for my dad in the 70'/80's. He had 2 Texaco's and 1 Gulf service station. He taught me from as far back as I can remember about how to have effective customer service so even now, everywhere I go that is what I expect only to be disappointed with pretty much every establishment I visit. Although, I know todays times are different than back then but this is something I have never before seen, this is example of a degraded level of customer service from those aliens is like nothing I have never witnessed. Their best bet would be to shut down that store because closing it is the next step from where they are now. Sorry for the long rant but I feel this is very important to all of you who are thinking of using Speedco or currently use Speedco. Yes, there will be a very long and detail email with photos sent to corporate on Monday!

This is now they left it. I get it, some folks, this may not bother, but for me, IT DOES. It sis not looks like this when I got there and it should not look like they when I left.

Re: Speedco NIGHTMARE!!!

Reply #1 – March 10, 2024, 12:26:42 pm

Zach
You should have bought that other coach as a spare, that way it could be your tester and they won't FUBAR the good one.

Thanks for sharing.

Best

Jerre

Re: Speedco NIGHTMARE!!!

Reply #2 – March 10, 2024, 12:56:28 pm

Quote from: DaBus – March 10, 2024, 12:26:42 pm

Zach
You should have bought that other coach as a spare, that way it could be your tester and they won't FUBAR the good one. Thanks for sharing.

Best

Jerre

Hahahaha, at this point, I agree. That would not be a half bad idea.

Re: Speedco NIGHTMARE!!!

Reply #3 – March 10, 2024, 01:13:22 pm

WOW!

And sad really

Re: Speedco NIGHTMARE!!!

Reply #4 – March 10, 2024, 01:37:16 pm

If you think Speedco is the only place with these idiots think again,2 things that would avoid/minimize this problem,go to synthetic
oil and a bypass filter and go 20K miles on a oil change,less changes= less stripping,get a Fumoto oil drain valve= no more
drain plug problems.I would call their corporate office and run the rant by them and then put it on facebook,bet you get a callback.

Re: Speedco NIGHTMARE!!!

Reply #5 – March 10, 2024, 02:23:19 pm

Zack, be VERY thankful you did not have an ISM engine with aluminum drain pan. Ask Santa Claus for a drain valve plug like others have mentioned. We prefer The Best Quick Oil Drain Plugs - No-Spill Systems, Compact model. And if possible, drain you own oil once a year, into a Rubbermaid tub, pour old oil into 5 gal Lowes $4 bucket, leave bucket at Walmart service bay door.

Re: Speedco NIGHTMARE!!!

Reply #6 – March 10, 2024, 03:05:03 pm

Quote from: Barry & Cindy – March 10, 2024, 02:23:19 pm

Zack, be VERY thankful you did not have an ISM engine with aluminum drain pan. Ask Santa Claus for a drain valve plug like others have mentioned. We prefer The Best Quick Oil Drain Plugs - No-Spill Systems, Compact model. And if possible, drain you own oil once a year, into a Rubbermaid tub, pour old oil into 5 gal Lowes $4 bucket, leave bucket at Walmart service bay door.

Oh yeah! from here on, no one but me will be servicing my engine fluids and filters. I have reflected on yesterday and I am still astonished how all that went down. All I can say is WOW.

Re: Speedco NIGHTMARE!!!

Reply #7 – March 10, 2024, 03:06:30 pm

Quote from: John44 – March 10, 2024, 01:37:16 pm

If you think Speedco is the only place with these idiots think again,2 things that would avoid/minimize this problem,go to synthetic
oil and a bypass filter and go 20K miles on a oil change,less changes= less stripping,get a Fumoto oil drain valve= no more
drain plug problems.I would call their corporate office and run the rant by them and then put it on facebook,bet you get a callback.

Yes, I will be ordering one of these drain valves next week. The letter to corporate is already in the works, LOL.

Re: Speedco NIGHTMARE!!!

Reply #8 – March 10, 2024, 03:07:18 pm

Bring it here I'll help you change it.

Re: Speedco NIGHTMARE!!!

Reply #9 – March 10, 2024, 03:21:10 pm

Quote from: John44 – March 10, 2024, 03:07:18 pm

Bring it here I'll help you change it.

Thanks for the offer John. Might be a bit of a drive from Longview, Tx to Drummonds, TN, LOL. Next time, I'll just get a big plastic pan that will hold the old oil and do it all myself. I haven't been feeling too good lately so I thought I'd just let Speedco change it and be done with it, wrong! Live and learn.

Re: Speedco NIGHTMARE!!!

Reply #10 – March 10, 2024, 06:41:22 pm

Those servicers ( won't call them mechanics) have no concept of "leave it cleaner than you found it). When I see things left dirty I always wonder what was done that I can't see.
+1 on the fumoto quick change plug. Also allows a guy to drain into a gallon jug. Stop it and do it again.

Aside from that I try to grease it whilst I'm doing the oil and I SURE wouldn't trust them for that. And even more time on the clock...

Re: Speedco NIGHTMARE!!!

Reply #11 – March 10, 2024, 07:17:09 pm

Quote from: Bob & Sue – March 10, 2024, 06:41:22 pm

Those servicers ( won't call them mechanics) have no concept of "leave it cleaner than you found it). When I see things left dirty I always wonder what was done that I can't see.
+1 on the fumoto quick change plug. Also allows a guy to drain into a gallon jug. Stop it and do it again.

Aside from that I try to grease it whilst I'm doing the oil and I SURE wouldn't trust them for that. And even more time on the clock...

Oh yeah, the killed me on the "Clock". Never again.

Anyone have a part number for the fumoto drain valve that fits a 1998 Cummins 8.3?

Re: Speedco NIGHTMARE!!!

Reply #12 – March 10, 2024, 07:58:35 pm

Zack,

I prefer this brand and this should fit your engine but make sure. You need to make sure you get the drain hose.
15-18150-04 - No-Spill Systems

Mike

Re: Speedco NIGHTMARE!!!

Reply #13 – March 10, 2024, 08:28:47 pm

Quote from: Pamela & Mike – March 10, 2024, 07:58:35 pm

Zack,

I prefer this brand and this should fit your engine but make sure. You need to make sure you get the drain hose.
15-18150-04 - No-Spill Systems

Mike

Will do, thanks Mike!

Re: Speedco NIGHTMARE!!!

Reply #14 – March 10, 2024, 08:56:31 pm

What's particularly frustrating is people still give positive reviews online to shops like that because they don't know better. It makes it impossible to sort the good from the bad if you're somewhere unfamiliar. I guarantee there is more than one customer from that shop driving around with a butchered drain plug happy as a clam.

Re: Speedco NIGHTMARE!!!

Reply #15 – March 10, 2024, 09:31:10 pm

Last time I went to a Speedco, they charged my $250 and I supplied the oil, filters and instructions on how to do it. Oh, they also left their hand prints all over the bay doors and when they used their hands to pull up from under the coach! Never again, next time changed the oil and filers myself. Much more satisfying and calmer! I had the Fumoto valve for the drain. Coach sold now!

Re: Speedco NIGHTMARE!!!

Reply #16 – March 10, 2024, 09:58:37 pm

As soon as you mentioned Shreveport SpeedCo, I had flashbacks to my experience there. Although it was probably 6 or 7 years ago it (and predates Love acquisition) it sounds very similar. I had them do engine oil/filters and my generator at the time (10K Onan). First they couldnt get it started after fuel filter changes. I questions if they really did prime them or not. I saw them take filters off and fill them after. Finally got it started and did run. I had filters changed one other time at Cummins...and at FOT for my new coach, never had a problem starting or running.

On the generator, after I left and headed east on I-20, I stopped midday rest area. When I started the generator, I saw a very steady fuel leak under it. I stopped in the SpeedCo on the east side of LA and had them check everything. They found the fuel line had not be tighten after filter change on the Generator. They were good enough there to not charge me for any of "their" work at the other locations.

I am pretty leery now about using them ever again. Not sure the whole Love's deal has done anything to help the situation either.

Re: Speedco NIGHTMARE!!!

Reply #17 – March 10, 2024, 10:36:00 pm

Speedco in Fernley, NV used to provide good service -- and a reasonable price. I used them twice and the second time they had a new price list but I pulled out a receipt and they matched the old price.
That was before covid so I have no idea what its like now.
Management, as well as the staff makes all the difference in the world. That's pretty much the case everywhere.

Re: Speedco NIGHTMARE!!!

Reply #18 – March 10, 2024, 11:56:51 pm

This goes for any shop. Find a good shop with good service post about it. Bad? Do the same. Fire them and let them know you fired them. Unfortunately they probably dont care anyway. Understand a lot of shops work on equipment and dont treat our coaches as a premium product. One good man in a shop can make them all better. No good guidance and they never excell into good techs. They just become bigger lazy hacks. Kinda the way we have been entitled too be. ISM has a magnesium pan. Slight over torque and they are stripped out. Get a quick drain you like and install. I drain into 5 gal cans effortlessly.

Re: Speedco NIGHTMARE!!!

Reply #19 – March 11, 2024, 12:25:32 am

This brings back memories of a Corvette I had in the 90's. I paid chevy dealer to change the oil as I was working 60-70 hrs a week and didnt have time.. about 3 miles down the road the engine was toast. They had double stacked the filter Oring and all the oil blew out on my way home, engine seized.....about $9500 later at their cost, they still tried to blame me....even tried to convince me to install a 4 bolt main truck Engine....NOPE, your putting in a new Corvette long block. Last time I ever paid anybody to do anything for me engine wise. Few years later, similar event on a motorcycle with a dealer cracking a new rim, started doing my own tires. Even if I end up crippled in a wheel chair, if I have to drag my limp ass under my own vehicle, I'll handle my own fluid changed.....all the stress like in this story just aint worth it.

All those talking Fumoto. Curious what your doing about the fact the Fumoto hangs down lower than the protection section around the pan? Just hoping it never gets hit? I bought a Fumoto for mine when I realized the situation. Still planning to build some sort of protection but just wondering what the others are doing.