Oil spray after engine oil change

HEPNEHF

MEMBER
MERCURY SABLE

I had my first oil change made on my 2008 Mercury Sable at the dealership that I purchased the car. Unfortunately, the man that changed the oil did not remember to reinstall the oil fill cap on the valve cover.

This lack of attention has caused oil to be sprayed over the left hand side of the engine. It covered the wiring harness, underside of the hood, the engine and the serpentine belt/s. The dealer has been most cooperative, naturally, but when I asked that the belt/s be replaced, I sensed some push back from the salesman.

Even though I have been assured that the engine will receive a through cleaning, am I on track by insisting that the belt/s be replaced?

I appreciate your advice and any other requests that I should make before signing off on any acceptance.

1 Reply

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

Hi there,

You can only try to have the belts replaced, but I don't like your chances. Best thing to do is to come to an arrangement with the dealer that if the belts start to squeal or fail with in, say a six month period they replace them, if they are still fine after 6 months you should not have any problems untill they are naturally due for replacement.

Mark (mhpautos)