I was hoping for a few chuckles and wasn't disappointed.

After getting my free newspaper and coffee I settled in to watch the show. It was obvious they hadn't seen an RX-8 before but it didn't take too long to figure out how to remove the engine cover. The oil filter was a struggle but I've heard that the factory installed one often is. And there seemed to be no problem with the drain plug. So far so good. Three and a half liters of Esso 5W-20 later (the only 5-20 brand they had) it was time to run the engine a bit and check the level. Earlier on the guy had already checked the oil level, which seemed strange. It hardly matters how much oil you've got if it's going to be drained anyway. But . . . whatever.

So then he yanks this ungodly long dipstick out of the middle rear of the engine compartment, eyes it knowingly and proceeds to tell me they had put in too much oil and would have to drain a little out. I decided to play dumb and not mention a certain important fact, namely that that was the TRANNY FLUID dipstick he was waving around. The guy down below drains off some oil (engine oil, that is) and this genius checks the level two more times, apparently bewildered that it hasn't changed. Eventually, one of the other monkeys comes to the rescue. Meanwhile, one bay to my left, two other cars have already come and gone. Eventually they get it right, the oil level is where it belongs and the universe is unfolding as it should.

Not only did I have a fun time, while enjoying a free coffee and a free newspaper, but as an extra special bonus they gave me a free chamois. A pretty good one at that.

 

lol good times :D

 

this is why I never use those places
they always mess something up

 

100% dissaticefaction garranteed :p

 

Well......this confirms the fact that I will be doing my own oil changes, and any other maintenance activities that are possible!

 

^hehe but then you'll miss out on all the fun times to be had :D

 

Anyone ever go to Oil Can Henry's?

They tend to be somewhat competant...

Velocity: GREAT story! I commend you for your self control; a.k.a Not laughing your *** OFF while all of this was going on

 

Prime example why I would never let a "Oil Change Technition" change my oil. Of all my RX7s and my RX8, none have EVER been changed by someone else's hands. :D

FS

 

You've owned all of your rotaries from new? Cool!

 

Ahh... not really
I've had one rx7 passed down to me by my father (a 1985) and the others I got used. I guess I should have said that they haven't had anyone touch the oil filler since they've been under my owndership. However, the 8 has only had one owner, me :D

FS

 

Your patience is only exceeded by your bravery. I hope though that is the last time you let grease monkeys have their way with your 8 :D

 

I think your foolish.

While you weren't looking they could have put motor Oil your Automatic transmission.

 

I left out one more amusing bit. When he was checking what he thought was the tranny fluid but which was really the engine oil, he tasted a drop with his little finger. Still no clue. Anyway, no harm done, and next time I figure they might know what they're doing.

 

Wait your actually going back? Good lord man. Warning klaxons should be going off. Pay all that money for a car and won't take it to a proper shop to get the oil changed...for shame. You should fall to your knees and beg the rotary gods for forgiveness...before someone pours mercon V in your engine.

 

Everybody knows that if you want a proper oil change that you need to go to Walmart.

 

how are the dealers as far as oil changes go?
i'd love to change my own, but i don't have the facilities at all

 

if you have somewhere to park your car, you have all the facilites you need.

 

where do i dispose of the oil once it's drained? can't just throw it away, right?

 

Most places that sell oil also have free recyling programs. I usually save up and bring my old used oil in when I need new oil, and dump it when I'm buying new stuff. I've never had a problem finding a place to take my old oil in.

 

Just hope they didn't cross-thread your drain plug...or strip it out all together!!
At least one person here found their stock (threaded) drain plug replaced with a rubber stopper Caveat Emptor... :D

 

I never let anyone change oil on any of our cars except me. Both my cars and even my wife's 94 Camry... all done by me.

You know what they say, if you want something done right.... do it yourself.

Funny story though :D

 

i just dump it in an old 5 gallon bucket.. when it gets full i leave it at the front door of the auto parts place. they are required by federal law to recycle it now.

 

I've been taking the "8" to my dealer. No problems.