Originally Posted By: NHHEMI
Originally Posted By: Johnny248
When I have to process OEM Warranty engine replacements, there are one of two requirements that need to be submitted for approval. Either the customer has to have oil change receipts each 6 months or 7,500 miles -OR- if they do not have receipts, photos of the pan, pick up tube, cam shafts, valve cover, photo of crank area. If there are no signs of sludge from neglect then the warranty repair will be approved with out any issues. Never have I had the factory mention anything regarding oil weights, API ratings, or anything else like that.
As far as Amsoil goes, somewhere on this site there is a post about a customer who had a Toyota truck. The engine failed because the Ea oil filter reached full capacity, restricted flow, etc, ruined the engine. (this happened of course before Amsoil changed their 25k intervals on certain EA filters). The owner of the truck was in contact with Amsoil, and Amsoil ended paying for the replacement of the engine. I believe that the post was brought over from a Toyota forum, and the owner of the vehicle even posted a photo of the check for repair from Amsoil. That is the only real case I know of where an engine has been proved to fail because of the an Amsoil product, and they did stand behind it. That is as much as I know about it.
When I worked at the dealer( Ford )in parts and service we did request proof from customers of proper maintenance before proceeding with engine repairs all the time unless we had records of the work done at our shop. "Proper" included done on time AND the correct weight and certified/rated oils used as well as the correct filter.
When my Sister lost the 3.5L V6 engine in her 2006 Impala GM requested proof from the dealer before authorizing the new engine. They either wanted dealer records OR a maintenance log and receipts from her documenting the right stuff was used and that it was done on time. She had all the work done at the dealer so the dealer verified it to GM and it went through immediately.
Don't forget the guy who posted on her recently with the blown Toyota motor( not the newest one with the thrown rod in the 3.4L ). Toyota required proof from him. As I recall they wanted proof of 7 OC's done with the correct fluids and filter.
It isn't a 100% sure thing that you will be asked for proof that you did your maintenance on time AND used the correct parts/fluids. However, what is a sure thing is the car mfg has the right to request it from you and you best have it to give them or it gives them a way out barring some lengthy court process you may or may not win.
With all car mfg's hurting now along with the rest of us you can bet your last buck that warranty claims are being scrutinized more than ever. Use the correct parts and fluids period.
I you look at most oil change receipts, they will say something along the line of
"5w30 Oil" or "10w30 Oil" you are starting to split hairs trying to prove that a customer did not use a API-Whatever rating. In my experience, is that if you have a legitimate engine failure under warranty and you have maintenance records showing you changed your oil within the manual intervals, then you should be good to go.
One thing that I did forget to mention, is that when maint records are requested (at least through Nissn), only a receipt that shows the Vin #, Mileage, and Date. If you have a slip from Joe Blows auto repair that says "Sam Jones, Impala, LOF, Paid" that is not an acceptable receipt.
Anyway, the legal costs involved for a manufacture to try to fight someone over a engine failure trying to claim that there was the wrong weight oil, or api cert, or anything is is far more trouble than most want to go thru. Bottom line, have maint records with the proper info, and you are pretty much good to go.