Rag Left in Oil Pan

Heavy 5.7 · August 2, 2017

Correct. It's called differences in tread wear on the front vs rear tires. Also, the right rear wheel had some minor grey overspray from the factory on the machined surface that was there when it was delivered to the dealer (all-terrain wheels). Pissed me off every time I noticed it while washing. That right rear wheel had not been moved, and by default, nor had the right front.

What was that you were saying about naysayers buzzing off?

Then the drivers sides wasn't either, your move.

KARNUT · August 2, 2017

Nice diagram, the problem is all the dealers I've been to in the last 10 years go front to back. I've been meaning to ask them why but I've been getting good tread wear so I don't.

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dmorrisL86 · August 2, 2017

Then the drivers sides wasn't either, your move.

You're assuming the rookie tech followed the recommended rotation pattern. But the driver side had been rotated front to back as evidenced by visual tread wear differences. Just voicing my concerns about what I witnessed from my dealer. Not trying to argue with you here. But I saw my tires/wheels, you did not. I went back and spoke with the service manager and had the issue corroborated by a tech and corrected.

dmorrisL86 · August 3, 2017

Nice diagram, the problem is all the dealers I've been to in the last 10 years go front to back. I've been meaning to ask them why but I've been getting good tread wear so I don't.

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Thank you for the back up sir.

Thomcat · August 3, 2017

I do agree with going to another dealership. Have them drop the oil pan, and then get an inspection camera into every passage, around rotating parts, etc. and see if they find anything. Good chance the engine life has been cut very short.

Quick and dirty check is to remove the oil filter and lose only a few oz. of oil. Examine the inside for trapped fibers "E" type filters lack the perforated metal insert only a plastic net and you can see the pleats using a flashlight looking through the installation hole.....older (better) non "E" filters would have to be band sawed apart to get to the inner pleats. If there are cloth fibers in the pleats there's a good chance it is everywhere else throughout the engine.

Then OP can make a decision whether further examine is warranted. For my .02, if there are rag fibers in the filter I'd just get rid of it ASAP because more problems are sure to follow.

vonshep · August 3, 2017

probably too late know i would have asked to see the rag to see how intact it was . Chances are it was one of those shop rags that are pretty heavy duty and once soaked in oil i would think it would settle in the bottom of the pan until it got sucked up by the pickup tube which has a screen that would stop a rag from being drawn in to the oil galleys .The crankshaft doesn't splash around the oil in the pan there are baffles to prevent this so the likelihood of the rag being drawn up into the crank and shredded and clogging anything is remote and if one of the main or rod bearings is starved of oil it will burn up and spin fairly quick and start to knock and it would have to travel through the oil galleys to get there just not enough clearance between the bearing surface and the rods and crank for a rag to get in .I would be pissed that it happened but IMHO the engine should be ok and at least they told you the truth instead of some bullshit story and if by chance you ever did have a problem related to this you have the documentation they effed up hope this helped

Gotsumpnferya · August 3, 2017

I wouldn't keep it pass the warranty. I would have ask for an extended on the engine.

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No doubt . At the very least .

Spurshot · August 3, 2017

Two things I see that mitigate any concerns about leftover rag debris.

1. The pump pickup has a screen.

2. The oil passes through the filter before going to the main oil galley

Me? I'd pull the filter, cut it open and look for signs it plugged with rag debris. If none or very little is found, I'd never worry about this again.

If this is not something you are comfortable doing, seek an independent shop and share your story.

For the dent, seek out the service manager and get them to cover Paintless dent removal.

Find a different place to service your truck. Most GM dealers will service any GM brand.

KARNUT · August 3, 2017

You are missing the oil starvation part. Yes any big pieces would cause failure now. Low oil to the bearings could take awhile. But could cut the engine life in half or worse.

Spurshot · August 3, 2017

You are missing the oil starvation part. Yes any big pieces would cause failure now. Low oil to the bearings could take awhile. But could cut the engine life in half or worse.

I gave that some thought. The oil pressure was low-0 for a very short time and under very little load. Modern oils have demonstrated ability to maintain a film of protection for extraordinary time. Based on his story, I wouldn't be concerned.

KARNUT · August 3, 2017

I gave that some thought. The oil pressure was low-0 for a very short time and under very little load. Modern oils have demonstrated ability to maintain a film of protection for extraordinary time. Based on his story, I wouldn't be concerned.

You do realize how fast that stuff is spinning right. I've seen diesels at cruising speed at very low miles spin bearings when an injector tip failed. That's with amsoil oil and very little diesel fuel in the oil.

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Spurshot · August 3, 2017

Diesels have very high bearing loads from the high BMEP. Engineer for a living. I don't work in the automotive industry anymore, but I'm still not without some experience.

diyer2 · August 3, 2017

Checking the filter for rag remnants,

Lots of opinions so what is the best solution?

Dump it or risk it?

CYA would be dump it if cost is not a factor.

Keep it is a roll of the dice.

KARNUT · August 3, 2017

Diesels have very high bearing loads from the high BMEP. Engineer for a living. I don't work in the automotive industry anymore, but I'm still not without some experience.

Me too, retired from family business building selling operating land clearing equipment from 100-1000Hp. Amateur drag racing 80s-90s. Its amazes me how people go nuts over a little vibration, sealer coming off the frame. But a rag in the oil pan no big deal just drive it, you excluded of course.

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Spurshot · August 3, 2017

Me too, retired from family business building selling operating land clearing equipment from 100-1000Hp. Amateur drag racing 80s-90s. Its amazes me how people go nuts over a little vibration, sealer coming off the frame. But a rag in the oil pan no big deal just drive it, you excluded of course.

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Yeah I hear you about the vibe and frame sealer. Some of the stuff I see posted is weegee board and dowsing rod tech. Lol.

I worked as a machinist/tech for a well known race engine head shop out of high school in the 70s. The owner was a mechanical engineer. He was one of the inspirations in my life to pursue engineering. My wife, being a mechanical, also was a driver. My interest in airplanes led to a career in that field. Nearly retirement time.

If the OP had said he drove it around the block with no oil pressure, I'd be worried. I got from his post that he saw 0 pressure as he pulled out of the dealer's drive and pulled back in immediately. Not much rpm, time or load. No crystal ball, but I think it'd be a good probability of no permanent damage. If he has a 100k warranty, that'd make sleeping at night easier.