I had my fuel filter replaced at a Valvoline Instant Oil Change. They ended up overtorquing the bleeder valve and breaking it off. To get the remaining portion of the bleeder out, they chipped it out, damaging the threads.

I took it to a GM dealer to have it repaired. GM says that are not able to get the valve to seal after the filter warms up - causing air to be sucked into the fuel system. GM says they need to put a new filter housing in to repair the situation. Valvoline wants to rethread the old filter/bleeder and put an oversized bleeder plug in.

My question is, is there an oversized plug available? How would you fix it?

Heres a new bleeder screw

http://www.lubricationspecialist.com/product_info.php?cPath=14&products_id=157

That's what I would do.How did they damage the threads with a plastic screw?

I would make Valvoline pay for a new filter head.

Heres a new bleeder screw

http://www.lubricationspecialist.com/product_info.php?cPath=14&products_id=157

That's what I would do
He could try that but it sounds like it would likely leak.

Im with Tony....make them pay for a new filter head. It was fine when you brought it in and it better be fine when you drive it out. Make em pay.

I'm not aware that they tried a new bleeder screw with O ring.I do know GM doesn't sell the screw separate and only sell the complete housing and it ain't cheap.

Certainly if that was the case they Valvoline is at fault they should cover the cost which every way it's repaired.

I agree with the guys above. They need to pay for the situation. :mad:

No doubt about it, they owe you a new filter head (about $600). They snapped the plastic bleeder and then boogered up your filter head by digging around in it to remove the remainder of the bleeder. This is an important part of your fuel system to protect the injection pump just downstream and can cause you all sorts of stalling issues if it leaks air.

Brand new take off filter heads in stock and ready to ship....alot cheaper then the dealer too.

I agree, they pay for that boo boo. You cant fix that correctly IMO.

Thanks for the feedback. Actually, the didn't damage the threads, but the seat on the bottom of the bleeder where the plug seals. Since I had the GM dealer order the part on Monday (based on Valvoline saying they'd take care of it) they are saying it is my cost over and above the cost of retapping the bleeder hole.

Starting to frustrate me working between GM and Valvoline. I agree with all of you, especially when future warranty could be affected. Now, I just have to fight for it. But, in the meantime, I won't have my truck!!!

If they damaged it they should be responsible to replace it.Mention your lawyers name to them.

No way in hell would a penny come outa my pocket for that. Give them the old one and tell em to tap it themselvs....mabey they can use it when they botch the next one. When you hand them the filter head and the bill make sure you never go back. Changing the fuel filter is easy enough to do yourself so this type of thing dosent happen.

Thanks for the feedback. Actually, the didn't damage the threads, but the seat on the bottom of the bleeder where the plug seals. Since I had the GM dealer order the part on Monday (based on Valvoline saying they'd take care of it) they are saying it is my cost over and above the cost of retapping the bleeder hole.

Starting to frustrate me working between GM and Valvoline. I agree with all of you, especially when future warranty could be affected. Now, I just have to fight for it. But, in the meantime, I won't have my truck!!!

Just go ahead and buy it out of pocket get the truck going. Then go back and show them the bill. If they don't want to pay for it tell them they will hear from your lawyer and also tell them you will bring the media into it. I bet they will pony up pretty quick.

After a few long conversations and explaining to them that my warranty could be voided in the future due, they have decided to pay for the new filter housing and labor. Thanks for letting me bounce this one off from all of you.

Should get the truck back by Friday.

Where can we buy replacement PLASTIC screws? I'm not interested in a metal screw.

You can buy all the plastic screws you want as long as you buy the filter head with it. GM doesn't sell the screw seperatly. See Greg at Luberication speicalist. He is a vendor here and has the metal screws. That is what should have been installed by the factory in the first place.
Denny:ro)

Max Power gave you the best advice.Pay have it installed and pay a visit with the bill.

I would make Valvoline pay for a new filter head.

I vote for this course of action also. They messed it up, they need to make it right.

Where can we buy replacement PLASTIC screws? I'm not interested in a metal screw.

screw the plastic screw (metal screws also). Go to lubespecialist.com and buy the niffty valve and tube kit. $20 and you don't have to worry about breaking the darn screw and no diesel mess on the filter.

Jim

Valvoline should pay to fix it right, not half a$$.
If they don't, depending how bad they messed up the O-ring seating surface, a new plug with O-ring might seal.
I ordered four of the OEM vent plugs a couple of years ago for this very reason. You're changing your filter, and breaking or loosing the vent plug, and your SOL.

I ordered Racor 10mm Vent Plug, Part # RK 30818 for $3.65 ea.
I got mine from Diesel Injection Services, located in Lubbock, Amarillo, and Dallas TX. Phone 806-745-4122.

I've use my original plastic bleeder for 4.5 years, and if installed with care, it'll last a long time.

What jholly says: Greg's bleeder valve kit is the way to go: no screws no mess!!
www.lubespecialist.com
Cheers,
AussieDMAX

You can buy all the plastic screws you want as long as you buy the filter head with it. GM doesn't sell the screw seperatly. See Greg at Luberication speicalist. He is a vendor here and has the metal screws. That is what should have been installed by the factory in the first place.
Denny:ro)

They sure do. I bought one when my dad over-tightened the bleeder screw (aka filter plug). It was hell finding it. I had to drive 100 miles to South Pointe GM in Tulsa, OK. for it on a Saturday. $15 piece of plastic!

I stand corrected but look at all the miles to find it.
Denny:Nothing_f

I stand corrected but look at all the miles to find it.
Denny:Nothing_f

I may have found one closer but it was Saturday. Not many of the parts departments were open. I was also going that way for a funeral i just had to leave way earlier and make a detour -:t

.

I ordered Racor 10mm Vent Plug, Part # RK 30818 for $3.65 ea.
I got mine from Diesel Injection Services, located in Lubbock, Amarillo, and Dallas TX. Phone 806-745-4122.

I've use my original plastic bleeder for 4.5 years, and if installed with care, it'll last a long time.

Modified, Is this part a direct replacement for the plastic one installed by GM or is it an oversized screw to allow for stripped or damaged metal threads on the body? I wasn't aware it was 10mm!

Modified, Is this part a direct replacement for the plastic one installed by GM or is it an oversized screw to allow for stripped or damaged metal threads on the body? I wasn't aware it was 10mm!

This is an exact replacement 10mm, directly from the manufacturer, Racor.

One More Good Reason Not To Go To The Cheap Places To Have Work Done. In My Opinion The Good Techs Are Not Working For Minimum Wage At Jiffy Lube....

Thanks for the tip on the Bleeder Kit, It's on the way along with spare filters, Half price of local parts house.

One More Good Reason Not To Go To The Cheap Places To Have Work Done. In My Opinion The Good Techs Are Not Working For Minimum Wage At Jiffy Lube....

Yeah, but replacing a fuel filter isn't rocket science.

Paying top dollar for services doesn't guarentee a job well done. I give you my local dealer as a prime example to prove my point!:rant: