2002 Chrysler Sebring Engine Flush

Tiny
KELLKI
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 CHRYSLER SEBRING
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 140,000 MILES
I went to Jiffy Lube to get oil changed and was offered an engine flush, which was told to me would be a good idea since I have never had one. I agreed and a few hours later car started making a loud knocking noise. Took the vehicle back to Jiffy Lube where manager said he noticed the noise shorty after the change/flush but thought it would "work itself out" and suggested he put a thicker oil in car, well needless to say engine locked up half way down the road. I am now suing Jiffy Lube and needed an experts opinion as to what might of caused engine lock up. Jiffy Lube said since I cannot show prooof that they performed last 2 engines changes they are not responsible for damages. Is there not some degree of engine sludge even with regular oil changes for a vehcile with this type of mileage?
Wednesday, June 9th, 2010 AT 1:24 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
The most common cause of this after having the engine flushed (which I never recommend.) Would be damage to the oil pump, resulting in low oil pressure which will then seize the engine. What happens is that the sludge and deposits that were sitting there harmlessly are now being pushed around everywhere in the engine. These deposits have to go somewhere, and the most common place for them to end up is the pick-up tube to the oil pump. With the pick-up tube clogged, the pump overheats. When the pump overheats and fails, no oil is being pushed through the system and end result is engine lock-up due to no lubrication.
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Wednesday, June 9th, 2010 AT 1:37 PM
Tiny
KELLKI
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Are the deposits/sludge common in every vehicle, regardless of oil change frequency?
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Wednesday, June 9th, 2010 AT 1:41 PM
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
Yes, no matter how often you replace engine oil and filter the sludge still builds up. It's simply an aftermath of the science in engines. Of course, the more often you change the oil the less there will be, but it will still be there. This sludge is mostly harmless though as I said, until the engine is flushed. That pushes the sludge all over the place and that's when you get problems.
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Wednesday, June 9th, 2010 AT 1:44 PM
Tiny
KELLKI
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thanks. How many years experiance do you have in the auto repair business? Would you mind if I use your statement in court?
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Wednesday, June 9th, 2010 AT 1:49 PM
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
10 years myself, yes you can use it. There is someone else I will send in here that goes by Rasmataz. He has many years over me and is a very knowledgeable tech. Im sure he will give you his thoughts on it as well.
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Wednesday, June 9th, 2010 AT 1:53 PM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
B6, you got this under control I concur with your technical knowledge of the lubrication system that's what happens during the flush it displaces the sludge/varnish through out the engine causing blockage thru the engine bearings and oil galleries reducing the oil flow end of results engine damage due to excessive friction.

Using a thicker oil will only reduce the oil pump's ability to push the oil thru the engine
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Wednesday, June 9th, 2010 AT 2:22 PM
Tiny
KELLKI
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Would it be possible to get your professional opinion on this in writing to use in court?
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Wednesday, June 9th, 2010 AT 2:26 PM

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