Oil Catch Can Warranty issues..

[vendit]

Has anyone that has installed the oil catch can mod had a problem with warranty issues at the dealer?
I have the catch can mod on my 2008 Spyder, and I took it in to the dealer for an oil leak, and they are blaming my "contraption" as they call it, and said that it voids the BRP warranty. They wanted to have a BRP rep come out and look at it, and then make a determination. My oil leak started when I brought it home from the dealer where they did a 3000 mile checkup and oil change. I found that the drain plug on the oil pan was loose, so I tightened it, and wiped any oil that was near or around it on all the plastic pans, etc. I still have a smaller leak, and the dealer is arguing with me that it is the catch can, and that I have voided the warranty!

Just wondering if anyone else has had an issue with their dealer or BRP.

Thanks.

 

[docdoru]

Go find another dealer :thumbup:

 

[Firefly]

Has anyone that has installed the oil catch can mod had a problem with warranty issues at the dealer?
I have the catch can mod on my 2008 Spyder, and I took it in to the dealer for an oil leak, and they are blaming my "contraption" as they call it, and said that it voids the BRP warranty. They wanted to have a BRP rep come out and look at it, and then make a determination. My oil leak started when I brought it home from the dealer where they did a 3000 mile checkup and oil change. I found that the drain plug on the oil pan was loose, so I tightened it, and wiped any oil that was near or around it on all the plastic pans, etc. I still have a smaller leak, and the dealer is arguing with me that it is the catch can, and that I have voided the warranty!

Just wondering if anyone else has had an issue with their dealer or BRP.

Thanks.

Installing an aftermarket item doesn't automatically void a warranty - we have strict laws in the USA about this. They have to prove that your modification actually caused the problem. In your case they would need to show the oil is coming from your add-on catch can.

IT should be pretty easy to determine if the oil leak is coming from your catch can or not.

Worse case --- remove your catch can and take it back to how the factory had it--- pretty easy to do --- see if there is still the oil leak--- take it back and have them fix it then.

 

[BajaRon]

What a crock. If youi're sure it's the oil drain plug then they're lying to you and they know it.

First, faluty or badly installed aftermarket items can only affect the area of warranty that they might impact. So if you put an aftermarket light on your Spyder they can't say they will no longer cover a bad crankshaft.

The only function the catch can affects is crankcase ventillation. So only warranty issues related to crank case ventillation could be affected. And I say "Could" because they have to PROVE that your catch can is causing the issue you're having. Guaranteed, it is not causing the drain plug to leak oil.

If your catch can were too restrictive (and it isn't) you would first get leakage from seals like valve covers, etc.

Second, since there is no way even a completely pluged crank case vent would have any affect on the oil drain plug, their entire statment is bogus. Your engine could explode from internal pressure and the drain plug would not leak if installed properly.

The dealer screwed up and that's all there is to it. Let them scream about your catch can to BRP. They won't do it because they know BRP will not go for such a stupid statement.

And if they won't call BRP to verify their "Voided warranty" claim I would call BRP and tell them what this dealer is trying to push off on you.

They might as well say your tires are wearing funny because of the catch can you installed.

As suggested "Find another dealer" would be my advise as well.

 

[vendit]

Yes, I agree that I am getting a run around from the dealer. As soon as the service mgr put the mechanic on the phone, he was extremely defensive and sai he was a very busy man and din't have time to mess with my oil leak which was only caused by the "contraption" I put on. When I told him the drain plug was 1/2 turn loose, he told me he didn't believe me! He said he would never do that. He also told me that the crush washer not being compressed evenly all the way around was normal!

I couldn't believe I was being treated like this on the phone. He said he didn't have time to talk to me on the phone, that the leak was not his fault! Even though it was perfectly fine that morning when I toom it in, and then when I brought it home after HE worked on it, I had probably a good 3-4oz of oil on the garage floor.
Unbelievable! I would be curious to se what BRP had to say about the catch can being there.

 

[Roaddog2]

I could almost bet they used the same crush washer :ani29:And they should be voided :cus:rds

 

[BajaRon]

I'm shaking my head. I am very sorry that your mechanic can't come clean.

Call the owner. Be very nice and simply tell him what is going on. Ask him to call you back with a determination as to what they will do so you know what to tell BRP when you call them.

Not a threat, just taking care of your investment and giving the dealership a shot at making it right.

If that mechanic is doing this to you it's a good bet he's had other issues with other customers.

It's better than sticking pins in a doll....

 

[brutus450]

I asked my dealer BEFORE I did the oil can mod if it would void the warranty and he said it would not void the warranty at all and go ahead and do it.

 

[Dudley]

I am guessing some trash between the crush washer and the pan opening. I would just drain the oil from the container into a clean container, take the drain plug off, clean the washer, plug, and pan opening until everything is shiny, replace the drain plug, filter your oil back into the container. I wouldn't take it back to the dealer for that. If the mechanic has a bad case of the REDS for you, I would not use him again...too much he can do to really screw up your Spyder. But whatever the cause, the catch can is totally innocent. People wonder why I do all the work I can on my Spyder??? That's the reason!

 

[Way2Fast]

I am guessing some trash between the crush washer and the pan opening. I would just drain the oil from the container into a clean container, take the drain plug off, clean the washer, plug, and pan opening until everything is shiny, replace the drain plug, filter your oil back into the container. I wouldn't take it back to the dealer for that. If the mechanic has a bad case of the REDS for you, I would not use him again...too much he can do to really screw up your Spyder. But whatever the cause, the catch can is totally innocent. People wonder why I do all the work I can on my Spyder??? That's the reason!

The dealer probably cross threaded th oil pan plug when installing it. That would explain the leak.

 

[Dudley]

The dealer probably cross threaded th oil pan plug when installing it. That would explain the leak.

I though about that also, but the times I have changed the oil, the plug is pretty easy to start. But again, any "mechanic" can screw up a perfect fit.

 

[NancysToy]

I am guessing some trash between the crush washer and the pan opening. I would just drain the oil from the container into a clean container, take the drain plug off, clean the washer, plug, and pan opening until everything is shiny, replace the drain plug, filter your oil back into the container. I wouldn't take it back to the dealer for that. If the mechanic has a bad case of the REDS for you, I would not use him again...too much he can do to really screw up your Spyder. But whatever the cause, the catch can is totally innocent. People wonder why I do all the work I can on my Spyder??? That's the reason!

I agree with Dudley, either trash on the crush washer, a damaged washer, or a damaged sealing surface. Drain into a clean container, inspect, replace the washer, and refill the oil. You will need to top it off a bit, in all likelihood. I would not have a mechanic with an attitude, who is defensive instead of apologetic when he leaves the drain plug loose, work on my vehicle again. If you can't do the work yourself, go elsewhere. I also agree with those who say to call the dealer out on getting BRP involved. I would do this myself, and contact Carlo at tech support.

If you wish to file a complaint, Michigan law requires certified mechanics and certified vehicle repair facilities. Work that is not done satisfactorily is eligible for filing a complaint with the State under the motor vehicle repair law. Bad, or uncertified repair facilities should not be allowed to continue.

 

[BajaRon]

The dealer probably cross threaded th oil pan plug when installing it. That would explain the leak.

Exactly what I am thinking. If this is the case you can't expect a 2nd dealer to fix it.

If you take it out yourself and it is cross threaded the mechanic is sure to say you did it.

That's why I would call the owner, tell him (or her) your concerns/issues, and try to get them to fix it. You have already tightened it up. That's reasonable as it was loose and you wanted to stop the obvious leak.

But if you do any more and it turns out to be a cross threaded drain plug you may risk fixing it on your dime.

I'd love to hear your mechanic explain how a catch can caused the drain plug to get cross threaded (if that is the problem).

I think if you proceed wisely you should get satisfaction.

 

[vendit]

The mechanic also told me that "most people don't understand this is a dry sump system" and that by putting the catch can in, you change how the lubrication system is working on the spyder. I explained to him the reason for the catch can, and that I had oil in the airbox. He told me this is normal! When the geneal manager of the dealership got on the phone, he was completely backing up his staff. He told me that he didn't believe me when I told him that the plug was not tight, and I also told him about the crush washer not being evenly compressed all the way around. He told me there was nothing wrong with the crush washer! He said it can be used again, and I told him they should really be replaced each time, and he said he didn't know who told me that, but that was not correct!! I was trying very hard to remain calm and nice at this point. I said that I got the impression that their mechanics never do anything wrong, and his response was that his people are high;y trained, and that we were going down a wrong road for a different topic. Of the three people I spoke with on the phone, none of them were appologetic or sympathetic in the very least! It was unbelievable. I told the manager that I didn't want to argue with him, I just wanted the leak fixed that wasn't there the morning I took it in for the checkup and oil change. I fully intend on doing my own oil changes, but felt if they were doing the 3000 mile checkup, that they should do the oil change as well. Maybe I shouldn't have.
I also found it interesting that they asked me if I had added any oil, because when they drained the oil out today, it was the exact same amount that they had put in. Ok...let's see here.......It leaked a pretty good amount onto my garage floor, and if they indee put a new filter in, there should be new oil in the filter which they couldn't have completely drained out, but yet the qty is exactly the same amount as what they added??? Does this make any sense to anyone??

Why does it seem so hard to find good, competent dealers? I talked to a friend of mine up in Petosky who has owned a LOT of bikes, quads, snowmobiles, etc over the last 20+ years, and he experiences the same thing. He can't seem to find a dealer who cares about his work or the customer.

I am just very frustrated, and now I have to pay this dealer to have the original OEM hose put back on the airbox, to prove that the oil is leaking from the drain plug.

 

[krb1945]

Most dealers...

probably appreciate the fact that the air box isn't full of oil. Takes them less time to service.

The dealer I go to saw it and didn't say a thing about it voiding the warranty. The dealer I go to is pretty good about things concerning the Spyder.

 

[bjt]

I know it's not the perfect solution but my dealer is about 45 minutes to an hour ride from you (just north of the I-75 / I-475 in Mt. Morris) and they have done good work on our Spyders so far. To my knowledge, the other Spyder owners who take their machines there are happy with them also. Also, they aren't quick to throw out the "voided warranty" talk.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&sou....950392,-84.152527&spn=0.743827,1.646576&z=10

 

[vendit]

I know it's not the perfect solution but my dealer is about 45 minutes to an hour ride from you (just north of the I-75 / I-475 in Mt. Morris) and they have done good work on our Spyders so far. To my knowledge, the other Spyder owners who take their machines there are happy with them also. Also, they aren't quick to throw out the "voided warranty" talk.

I would like to know who that is. The dealer I bought mine from is about a 50-55 minute drive to flint, so it might not be any farther.

Thank You!

Mike

 

[vendit]

probably appreciate the fact that the air box isn't full of oil. Takes them less time to service.

The dealer I go to saw it and didn't say a thing about it voiding the warranty. The dealer I go to is pretty good about things concerning the Spyder.

Thanks for this info! This is one reason why I love the Spyderlovers forum! Everyone willing to help a fellow spyder owner out!

 

[bjt]

I just added a google maps link to my post.

 

[NancysToy]

Exactly what I am thinking. If this is the case you can't expect a 2nd dealer to fix it.

If you take it out yourself and it is cross threaded the mechanic is sure to say you did it.

That's why I would call the owner, tell him (or her) your concerns/issues, and try to get them to fix it. You have already tightened it up. That's reasonable as it was loose and you wanted to stop the obvious leak.

But if you do any more and it turns out to be a cross threaded drain plug you may risk fixing it on your dime.

I'd love to hear your mechanic explain how a catch can caused the drain plug to get cross threaded (if that is the problem).

I think if you proceed wisely you should get satisfaction.

Good points about the possibility of blaming it on the owner if he tries to correct it, but it appears to be a lost cause, anyway. If the shop that did the faulty work will not stand behind it, you will have to pay someone else to make it right. You might file a complaint with the State, and you could even file in small claims court, but you will have a lot of agony and expense any way you cut it.

It is indeed possible the mechanic cross threaded the drain plug, although this is not easy with a large, coarse thread plug. It is more likely that he overtightened it and stripped the threads. That would explain the looseness, and it will also make it possible that the plug will never seal or tighten properly. Unfortunately, BRP does not make this engine with a separate sump plate, so the entire crankcase half would have to be replaced unless a Helicoil is available in the proper size. Mean repair any way you make it.

So sorry for your pain and suffering. Let us know how you make out.