2002 Chrysler Sebring Engine Flush

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?

7 Replies

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

KELLKI

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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

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
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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

KELLKI

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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

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.