Is there a way to tell what weight oil the dealer used???

[JCleary]

I took my truck to a local dealer today that's running a special on oil changes. ($89. 95, much less than the usual $139 to $169)



Anyway, I have 12k miles on the truck, I bought it a month ago with a bit less than 11k. The previous owner used Delo 400 and the Mopar filter at 6k.



This afternoon when I picked up the truck, the paperwork had a charge for "diesel oil" for $33 and change. No weight specified.



The reminder sticker in the window said "10w30"



I called the service advisor on the way home, and he stated that they must have used the right oil, but he would not be able to check with the mechanic until Monday.



Is there any way for me to tell if it's 15/40 or 10/30 by look, smell, etc. ? Or do I have to change my oil again (at home, using the Delo and Mopar filter I was too lazy to break out this morning)?

 

[JCleary]

Jeez...



Just checked the oil. It's overfilled to about 1/2 way on the part number on the dip stick.



How bad is that? Should I drain it?



Thanks.

 

[JStankus]

You can measure the viscosity using a viscometer and make a comparison. Since that's a specialized piece of glassware, you can make do like the painters do with a cup viscometer. Basically its a cup with a specific size hole in it. You just time how long all the liquid takes to drain out of the cup. For your test I would suggest just measuring the engine oil, and a known sample of the oil of correct viscosity) and compare the times. Make sure that the oils you are comparing are at the same temperature.



John

 

[klenger]

If the paperwork showed 10w30, then assume that's what they used and have them change it again with the correct stuff. Maybe they will learn not to be so sloppy. I assume that 10w30 is not even diesel oil. I would not accept their word that the correct oil was used, regardless of how convincing they sound.

 

[rbattelle]

I agree with Klenger. I mean, they couldn't even get the right amount of oil in the sump, let alone something as "complex" as picking the correct viscosity. Now, if it were me I'd change the oil again myself and save all the oil they used. Then send in a sample for analysis. The analysis shop should be able to determine the weight and type. If it's wrong, take the entire thing of oil and the filter and the report back to the dealer and tell them you want your money back. Will it work? Probably not. But at least you'd be able to sleep knowing the change was done correctly.



Call them back and ask if they checked your spark plugs. If they say "yes" never go there again!