Was the oil changed during a service?

Strider590

SteveJW wrote: »

Never come across an oil filter that couldn't be changed without having to change the oil, I'm sure someone will point out a couple of instances where it is impossible. Might need a small amount of oil to top up what is lost when changing the filter

In cases where it may be possible it's just not worth the trouble. Plus they buy oil in huge drums, cheap as hell, if they're gonna do the filter, they're unlikely to skimp on the oil.

colino

Hmm. Trade price of semi synth £15. Spin on generic filter £1.

atrixblue.-MFR-.

colino wrote: »

Hmm. Trade price of semi synth £15. Spin on generic filter £1.

not all oil are set priced.

theres cheap brands of oils, there good brands of oils and then theres named brands of oils that stick addatives in to the oil to make the oil more durable and stable.

generic filter? a £1 for a oem filter would be impossible, as OP would want to use a generic/patter one that would take away his warranty!

generics are not £1.00 they can start at that on some vehicles, but unlikely.

londonTiger

colino wrote: »

With the price of good synth and semi synth there's some chancers out there who will easily spin on a new (relatively cheap) filter and just make sure the oil is topped up.
Just remember though a lot of engine oils, especially diesels nowadays, have a high detergent level and the pristine new stuff, especially on high mileage schedules, will change colour remarkably quickly.

i dont know what sort of scum would do this, i can half understand of some lousy mehanic does a lazy job and forget to do something vital like oil change. But to go out of heir way to risk engine damage but deliberately taking out the oil, changing the filter and putting the crap oil back in is just scum.

I sw this because I don't think you can change the oil filter without enptying the enjine oil first because the filter is down low, at least with mine anyway.

colino

There is not a vehicle around with an external mounted oil filter that you cannot change without having to change the oil too. Some can be a little messy, but the chances of losing more than a pint are minimal.
Unfortunately there are back street rogues out there and they ironically do change filters simply because some old motorists surreptitiously put markings on the service items! That and a quick blob of white grease on your door hinges and thats your 10 minute £69 service.
Find a local, friendly independent who has a trail of old customers and an established site and you wont go wrong.

grizzly1911

Have had several diesels and without exception you can/could tell that they have had their oil changed.

On the last change, it was well over 2K before it started to be noticeably discoloured.

Don't dispute it can get pretty dirty later on.

pstuart

rev_henry wrote: »

Diesel oil is always black. Except on PSA HDi engines I believe. Which yours isn't.

We have a 2 year old 163 Mondeo, which I believe is a PSA engine.
On its 2 year service last week, the oil was 'dirty' when I checked after the 4 mile trip home (always check since I had a 'bad' service some 20 years ago).
The service manger of the main dealer has assured me that the service was Ford spec and that the oil had been changed.

This main dealer has been used by us for years and we have no doubts about their credible comments, only those posted on MSE.

vikingaero

Not always worth checking to see if the oil filter has been changed. More and more cars are using oil filters where only the internal paper element is changed still leaving the mucky old external canister.

CvPiper

It'll get grubby quite quickly, but not totally black?

Some cars can be done, the 1.0 3 cylinder VW engine has the oil filter so high up the head, you will only loose what is in the filter plus a touch when removing it. However I doubt anyone would do a filter and not the oil, more likely the other way round.

Wy not drop the oil out to be sure, it will cost you a few litres but put your mind at rest and you will easily be able to tell if it new or not.

SteveJW

vikingaero wrote: »

Not always worth checking to see if the oil filter has been changed. More and more cars are using oil filters where only the internal paper element is changed still leaving the mucky old external canister.

Anyone care to enlighten me, not aware of any modern cars with a changeable inner element, thought these went out with the ark. Even our large commercial vehicles have a cartridge type filter where the full lot is thrown away

We do have some vehicles that have an additional aftermarket by-pass filter fitted, these have an inner element that can be changed

Someone mentioned bulk oil that some garages use, it may be premium grade oil but frequently purchased in large drums, seen it with the tops left off etc and dirty containers used to fill up engines. Ours comes in sealed IBCs and is distributed via pipework around the workshop.

Worst case I came across was in the late 60s, boss went to an auction and bought around 200 gallons of Castrol GTX, problem was he didn't buy the bulk tank. Filled old 45 gallon drums and used it for servicing etc