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Topic: Check your engine bay after service (Read 1362 times) previous topic - next topic

Check your engine bay after service

Thought I'd pass on something we discovered (fortunately) in time before a bigger issue occurred...

During our most recent engine service, the technician left the engine compartment fluorescent light on and the oil fill cap off.  Fortunately, the coach wasn't driven far enough after service to have caused an issue.  Had it gone further or been left without the ability to charge the batteries, the situation would have been much worse.

Some folks (most?) might not go over a technician's work, especially on something so "routine" as an oil change.  We know we will from now on.

Michelle
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Check your engine bay after service

Reply #1 –
Jimminy Cricket Michelle, what's this world coming to?  I've always had the oil changed either by FOT, TN RV or Cummins in Cincinnati.  Thankfully, their techs are very good.  I'd let the shop you had perform the service know.  While you're at it, give 'em a piece of your mind.
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH

Re: Check your engine bay after service

Reply #2 –
Hi Peter,
 Always check what's happening with your coach while being serviced. The facility you use makes NO difference! We had our 1997 serviced at the factory years ago. Oil and trans fluids, and filters. I see the tech filling the trans with trans fluid, or so I thought. I see that the trans fluid funnel/filler was in the oil fill tube. I stopped the tech. He was sure glad I saw this mistake. Drained the engine, refilled, with oil, and all was well.  He is a great tech, one of the best. He now works across the street, MOT. The best can make a mistake. Pay attention.

Raymond Jordan
1997 U 320
Raymond & Babette Jordan
1997 U 320
1998 Ford Explorer XLT

Re: Check your engine bay after service

Reply #3 –
Raymond, you're right.  I too watch the techs while they work as anyone can have a brain f_rt from time to time.
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH

Re: Check your engine bay after service

Reply #4 –
If scheduling service ask if you will be allowd to observe. If not look for a shop that will.
Rick

Re: Check your engine bay after service

Reply #5 –
One of the things I like about being at MOT is that they let owners wander in and out and do not mind being observed or having questions asked.  Dave Robertson has created a positive atmosphere at his dealership.  Customers trust his guys and his guys respond accordingly.
George Stoltz.  Retired from full-time living in a great Foretravel and now are back to living in a traditional sticks and bricks in Florida.

Re: Check your engine bay after service

Reply #6 –
I am frankly amazed that shops let customers roam around them.  Most automotive shops will not let you in the service area because of the liability concerns.  It great that some RV places will let you watch what they are doing.  That may change in time as lawyers get involved.  Back before I retired and could afford it I had a mobile lube service come out to the house.  In this case there was not anyone to say no.
John Cooper
'91 GV 36'
Oshkosh chassis
Cat 3208T 300HP

Re: Check your engine bay after service

Reply #7 –
Puppy dogs have been known to sniff around at some RV dealers.  We visited a delaer in Arizona that had a house dog who was smart and friendly and could count to 5.  He took care of the books.  :))
George Stoltz.  Retired from full-time living in a great Foretravel and now are back to living in a traditional sticks and bricks in Florida.