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I would really appreciate your advice.
I have a 2001 9-5 SE 6 cylinder. . . I bought it new and have baby'ed this car ever since . . . it looks and runs almost like new (low mileage). I'd been experiencing a slow coolant leak for some time . . . never a visible leak, just needed to add 12 or so ounces of coolant every 3 or so weeks for the past year. Had hoped it was the heater by-pass valve, but dealer determined it was the oil cooler.
Here's the problem . . . I left the car with them along with 2 gallons of Amsoil coolant. (I switched to Amsoil A/F last spring after this dealership replaced my waterpump and refilled my system with Dexcool (had been using green GM coolant). At my expense, I flushed the system and replaced with yellow Amsoil coolant (supposed to be very good A/F and compatable with everything).
Dealership had to order the parts (took several days for this), and then 16 days later, they called and said the car was ready (I had been communication with them during this time . . . seems they had to install and replace everything 3 times bkz they kept experiencing "a leak." They claim that after the 2nd time they replaced some of the parts bkz there had been a problem with them ("fine scratches")).
The replacing of the oil cooler, cooler lines and thermostat came to $2200 (after a 20% online labor discount).
After paying the bill, I drove off the lot and immediately had a desire to check the coolant so pulled into a mall parking lot (before getting on highway) . . . popped the hood and checked the coolant resevoire and found winged bugs floating aroung and along with other contaminants.
When I originally heard it took them 3 installation attempts to complete the job (before there was no "leaking"), I asked about the coolant--concerned how they were recapturing it . . . concerned whether it would be clean . . . I was assured it was . . . clearly it was not. (I would rather they not have recaptured it, but I learned after the fact).
I picked up the car just before closing and when I went back 10 minutes later the service department was closed. I spoke with the General Manager-- he was very nice and wanted to be accommodating. I left the car and drove home (40 minutes away) in a loaner. They said they would replace the Amsoil A/F . . . I got a message earlier from service department they cannot find it.
What should I do?
To get more Amsoil A/F will take at least 2 days to have shipped as no one locally stocks it (I always order Amsoil products directly).
The system is contaminated. I drove it for about 1/2 a mile before inspecting it (I drove off lot and decided to pull into a mall parking lot to check-- and who knows how long they ran it). They don't have a flush machine so I suspect they will simply drain the radiator . . . this obviously won't clean out the system. I know there is some controvery around flush machines and damage . . . but under low pressure seems like it is the best way to clean the system, yes?
I am also concerned whether or not they would use distilled water to dillute the coolant to a 50:50 mix-- I mentioned wanting distilled water used to the General Manager (nice guy) and he seemed surprised but said they would buy some and do this.
Should I ask them to buy the Mercedes A/F everyone talks about instead as it is probably more readily available (this might be a bit much to ask, but if so, which one for 2001 9.5 SE 6cyl.)? Should I tell them to use their green A/F or Red Dexcool or even just distilled water (to get it home) . . . and if so, should I then on my own pay the $90 locally again to flush the system and replace with Amsoil or Mercedes A/F?
Am I wrong in thinking this contamination is a problem/concern and unacceptable . . . especially after paying over $2200 (I also paid $539 for brake job and other incidentals for a total of over $2900.
Unlike a different, more local dealership that is not only incompetent, but has a miserable attitude to deal with . . . these guys are very nice and I have gone out of my way to express how much I appreciate their help.
I am a little frustrated over how best to proceed and would really appreciate hearing your thoughts and advice . . . thank you very much!
posted by 69.125.222...
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