Potential incorrectly serviced car caused failure

CptBlack

Sheramber - I'll check when I'm at home, still at work. I have Haynes at home

Stoke

I would push FIAT on this, especially if it's under some warranty. Being a 60 plate is it still under some warranty?

societys_child

probably caused by the wrong oil

Think you'd probably need a bit more than that.

Sounds like the fiat garage are fobbing you off.

m_c

Those engines need a pretty specific oil. There is usually some leeway in oil weight, but it's the specification (I.e. additives) that has to be correct to ensure the oil meets the manufacturer's specifications and approval.
If it was mine, personally I'd try an oil change with the correct oil and see how it went, but as it's broken down, it already looks like it's too late to try that.

AdrianC

Stoke wrote: »

I would push FIAT on this, especially if it's under some warranty. Being a 60 plate is it still under some warranty?

Very unlikely, since 60 plate is coming up to 7 years old. If it's been serviced outside the dealer chain, then it's unlikely any Fiat approved-used warranty would be valid, and you'll not get any goodwill coverage.

System

Usually the problem with oil is when you put a thicker one in than recommended, not a thinner one.

Strider590

Tarambor wrote: »

Usually the problem with oil is when you put a thicker one in than recommended, not a thinner one.

Both are just as bad really.

If it's too "thin", then the oil pump fails to get the oil pressure up and oil pressure is vital.

AdrianC

The difference between 0w30 and 5w40 is minimal, especially in something that's relatively lightly used in the UK climate, where the oil will never really get hot anyway.

5w40 on a long hard journey in a hot climate will get MUCH thinner than 0w30 in a UK pootlemobile.

forgotmyname

As above. The difference between a decent branded oil of 0/30 and 5/40 will be neglible. Unless you drive flat out across the desert where a 40 oil will be better than a 30 oil. Or sub zero temperatures in the double figures. Then a 0 oil will be better than a 5 oil.

Unless your at the extremes then it wont have made any difference. A cheaper brand maybe inferior on all counts.