Volvo Service ???

derekh

derekh

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Joined
29 Aug 2001
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I have always sang the praises of Volvo and the service I have received but now I'm going to sing a different song !!!
On Thursday An engineer spent almost the whole day servicing my twin kad 32's. I thought today I would start to get ready for the new season and was tidying the boat. Thought I would look at my engines and I was met by a bilge with approx 1/2 pint on black oil floating around, more oil puddles all around the engine compartment, oily hand prints all over the engine and some on the teak decking. I thought I would dip the engines and guess what, the engine oil is black. The prat didnt even change the oil. The engines are covered by gurantee and this was supposed to be a full service. The dealer has always been great but this new mechanic is going to be in trouble tomorrow. £800 service GRRRRRRRR!

<hr width=100% size=1>Work ? don't be daft , the suns out.
 
He may have changed oil "no really' and then run engine to fill filter and top up oil level.The new stuff may have mixed with old residue oil left in sump,so it may appear a bit blackish.Have just done both my engines today.It is impossible to remove filters without making deadful mess.Took me longer to clear up splashes and drips etc than it took to pump out and refill with oil etc.
If you fancy doing it yourself next time and providing you get stuff from local motor factor,oil 25L (semi synthetic )will cost around 50.00 and filters about 7.70 each plus vat.
Def a bit rubbish tho to leave s...t all over everything mind you.
Ps Do oil filters look shiny and new?.

<hr width=100% size=1>If it aint broke fix it till it is.
 
As oldgit says, it's not easy to tell if oil has just been changed on Deisel engines, just by looking at the dipstick. But the mess he left in your engine bay is unacceptable imho. Hve a look at the oil filter(s) do they look like new replacements?

<hr width=100% size=1>Someday my ship will come in, and with my luck I'll be at the airport!.
 
hello Fred,
I would love to think you are correct. The mechanic who last serviced the engines July 03 arrived on site with shirt and tie, pulled on volvo overalls and plastic gloves. Every drip of oil was wiped away and the engines polished when the job was complete. old filters and rags were put in a sealed bag and removed from the site. I suppose I was spoilt and expect perfection every time. I am convinced that the oil is too black to be new oil mixed with old oil but I hope to confirm tomorrow
after speaking to the mechanic.

<hr width=100% size=1>Work ? don't be daft , the suns out.
 
Even quite a small amount of the previous oil will make the new oil black. It isn't easy to tell "totally black" old oil from "slightly black" new stuff. Both would look the same shade on your dining room wall.

Agree about the mess though, there's no excuse for not leaving the boat in at least the same state as it started. I would definitely call them back to clean up.

dave.

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Name and shame on my site, see link below. It's just this sort of poor service that set up the organisation in the first place.

Hope you take some suitable action against him.

I suggest a list of faults with the service and photos if possible.

regards

peter

<hr width=100% size=1>Complete the Consumer Survey <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.mssa.org.uk>http://www.mssa.org.uk</A> Marine Service Standards Assistance
 
It's very unlikely that the guy didn't change the oil (how else could he create such a mess?) However the "blackness" is dependant on how careful he was in taking out as much old oil as he could. He probably used a suction pump in the dip stick hole which, when the oil is cold, can take forever. My guess is that he probably made do with taking out 90% which in practical terms is good enough mixed with new stuff but of course it will look very black. Suggest, take him to task on the mess only, you don't have enough data to argue any more than that.

<hr width=100% size=1>
 
As previous responses say, the oil will still show black if it has been turned over. Check the viscosity between your fingers. You will know if it's been changed in comparison to used oil.
It's totally unacceptable to leave your boat in such a state though!

Regards.

Peter.

Peter.

<hr width=100% size=1>
 
Lets put it to bed and return to the Singing praises days. He came back yesterday apologised for not finishing the job. Cleaned up the boat oil and blood. The reason he left early was because he placed a screwdriver into his hand and had to go to a&e for repairs. I feel rather bad now for being not nice and I am sorry.
No complaints this time Just two smooth running fully serviced volvos.

<hr width=100% size=1>Work ? don't be daft , the suns out.
 
Re: Haa what a manky excuse.

Must remember to try that one myself./forums/images/icons/laugh.gif

<hr width=100% size=1>If it aint broke fix it till it is.
 
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