Driving around with no oil filler cap - any damage likely?

DominicH

I have just discovered that the buffoons who serviced my car this week (Ford dealers, too) failed to put the oil filler cap back on. I did have a quick glance at the time to make sure they'd changed the filter, but the filler cap seems so obvious that I guess I didn't even look there.

I only found out this morning when I went to check the oil level, to find the cap still sitting on the valance near the windscreen wipers and a film of nice new engine oil covering nearby components. So I've been driving around for a couple of days with no oil cap. Stuff could get in there, presumably, although I couldn't see anything particular and the sump level was still near max. Any damage likely?

DUTR

Probably yes, probably not.
Just as well you checked though sooner rather than later.

Strider590

Your lucky you spotted it, probably no damage done.
I reckon 90% of people would never even look under the bonnet like you have done.

facade

DominicH wrote: »

I did have a quick glance at the time to make sure they'd changed the filter
I only found out this morning when I went to check the oil level

As you (quite rightly ) don't trust them to do the job, why not do it yourself?, then you know that it has been done properly :cool:

DominicH

facade wrote: »

why not do it yourself?, then you know that it has been done properly

You don't know me very well, do you?

I did it for the "dealer FSH" stamp, I admit. Although their minor service is actually cheaper than local independents. Get what you pay for, etc.

Ironically, they are called TrustFord...

frisbeej

No damage, the engine is vented to the air intake anyway to stop pressure build up from damaging seals etc.

Yours has just been vented straight to the atmosphere. Which isn't the normal arrangement as it pollutes and makes a mess.

Cyberman60

These little jobs are pretty easy so much better to do them yourself, but I've done quite big jobs as well.... saves a lot of dosh !!!

atrixblue.-MFR-.

As suggested you probably only lost a little in oil, I would contact the dealership though get them to clean up the mess they created!.

DominicH

Thanks all, sounds like probably no harm done. They knock off early on Saturday so I sent them a stern email instead.

arcon5

frisbeej wrote: »

No damage, the engine is vented to the air intake anyway to stop pressure build up from damaging seals etc.

Yours has just been vented straight to the atmosphere. Which isn't the normal arrangement as it pollutes and makes a mess.

Aye but ops talking about small amounts of oil in the engine bay coating everything and possibly oil contaminated. Not engine damage.