How bad can it be?

[jddodge]

Last month I had my Toro 60" Zero turn (23 HP Kubota DSL) serviced at my local Toro shop. I mowed for 20 hours over the last month. Today I found the oil fill cap was OFF!!!! Oil level is fine but I'm sure I sucked in a ton of dust and crap. The mower has less then 60 hours on it. Other than a fresh oil change what should I do? Give it back and request another mower, request a longer warenty coverage??? Some sort of note from Toro or Kubota covering the engine?? I want this mower to last for ever!!

Thoughts?

Thanks

 

[Kernopelli]

Last month I had my Toro 60" Zero turn (23 HP Kubota DSL) serviced at my local Toro shop. I mowed for 20 hours over the last month. Today I found the oil fill cap was OFF!!!! Oil level is fine but I'm sure I sucked in a tom of dast and crap. The mower has less then 60 hours on it. Other than a fresh oil change what should I do? Give it back and request another mower, request a longer warenty coverage??? Some sort of note from Toro or Kubota covering the engine?? I want this mower to last for ever!!

Thoughts?

Thanks

I would contact the dealer and get them to agree to what ever you can. I would certainly want to make them aware of the situation and have it noted.The majority of dealers are going to insist it was there after the oil change and that you should check oil/fluid levels every time the mower is used, why are you just now coming to us, etc.
It is probably not too likely any damage was done, in fact...I'm trying to think here....anyway, it is possible the engine has positive crank pressure and would actually push out of the fill hole instead of suck in. Others will have to expound on that theory.

In any case, change the oil.

 

[NHTC30]

I would do an oil change, run it for a while, drain that oil, and repeat that a couple of times, it should get most of the junk out.

 

[jddodge]

Thanks for the info. The dealer has the mower and they are changing the oil. The oil cover is under a plate that you would never look at unless you were changing the oil. In my first post I didn't note that the oil funnel (dealer's)was still tucked inside the engine area. Oil level has been good... I do check it every time I mow.

 

[workmytractor]

In my first post I didn't note that the oil funnel (dealer's)was still tucked inside the engine area. Oil level has been good... I do check it every time I mow.

That should be pretty cut and dry on who is to blame.

 

[carpenter383]

I doubt it would have actually sucked dirt in, because if anything there is pressure exiting the crankcase. But I understand your concern, and dirt and could fall into it.

 

[Coyote machine]

Often the lowest guy on the ladder changes the oil at dealer's whether it be car, or lawnmower. I'd want to make sure that the dealer have an experienced mechanic ONLY work on your equipment- maybe someone you can give a tip to once in a while to keep him interested in your equipment. I know this has worked for me. I try to get to know some of the guys in the shop if possible and ask them questions when they are not too busy and maybe give them a six pack once in a while- it can do wonders and has, especially with my boat's engine. I've had guys lend me tools to put on a part on a friend's engine because they were jammed. I had the owner come back with two six packs the next day and now we have a 'friend' on our side at the Merc dealer. It can't hurt...

 

[Hematite]

I would be more worried about lack of oil. Anytime I've seen a fill cap left off, the engine will spew oil all over everything.

As said before, crankcase pressure is positive so it is incredibly unlikely that anything actually got into the crancase. I wouldn't be concerned.

 

[jddodge]

I'm happy to hear all the feedback. Its funny that oil wasn't all over?? The Kubota DSL engine souded good and the oil level was normal.
I paid $$$ for this mower and I love it. With the DSL engine and good upkeep my kids should have it some day. Before I called my dealer I ran inside and posted my question to this group.. Thanks for the feedback!!
I saw the Dealer in church today but I didn't want to mix church with business. I will let everyone know what the Dealer says.

 

[radman1]

I had the oil changed on my F250 pickup once at a dealer. 1 month later I noticed the oil cap was missing. I told the dealer, and they said it must have fallen off and wasn't their problem. Yea, right. A screw on cap was able to unscrew itself and fall off. (The cap is on top of the engine and sets into a 1" hole recessed into the top.) These caps are screwed on by 3-4 turns and click in place when tight. I wasn't asking for anything but a new cap. That was the end of that relationship.