C5A PureTech 180 - Does the oil filter cap always sit on the same screwing position?

[zakazak]

I recently had a service done (C5 Aircross PureTech 180) and marked my oil filter cap with a black dot on a certain position before going for the service.

My thought was that this way I would be able to tell if the oil filter has been changed because chances are low that the CPA would be screwed back onto the exact same position.

Now after the service, the black dot seems to be pretty much exactly where it has been before.

So before making any false accusations:
Is the oil filter cap always screwed into the same position?

Thanks!

[GiveMeABreak]

If you don't trust your garage, you should of physically marked the casing (a scratch mark for example) and photographed it, as it's highly unlikely a new replacement would be identically marked. This assumes you have the metallic screw-in filter type, as most now have a plastic casing in which the filter is inserted. Was this an official Citroen dealership or non-franchised garage.

[zakazak]

If you don't trust your garage, you should of physically marked the casing (a scratch mark for example) and photographed it, as it's highly unlikely a new replacement would be identically marked. This assumes you have the metallic screw-in filter type, as most now have a plastic casing in which the filter is inserted. Was this an official Citroen dealership or non-franchised garage.

Well I marked the casing, as I said, with a a black pen making a dot. I also have a picture of it.

I have no idea which kind of filter is use but the casing (which I marked) seems to be plastic.

So the casing does not always screw back into the same position? It would always be in a random screwed in position?

It was an official dealer but not for Citroen but other brands.

I also put a "sticker" on where the plastic tube for air inlet connect to the air intake box. To change the oil filter you need to disconnect this plastic tube. That sticker is gone now which would indicate that they disconnected it to get to the oil filter case.

[PaulC5]

Another clue to check if the filter has been replaced is to look for bits of oil that have run down below the cover when it was removed since it is difficult to avoid even with lots of rags. Despite this, I can not imagine a garage not replacing the filter.

[zakazak]

Another clue to check if the filter has been replaced is to look for bits of oil that have run down below the cover when it was removed since it is difficult to avoid even with lots of rags. Despite this, I can not imagine a garage not replacing the filter.

That is a good idea I will check for but usually I put a rag below the filter housing to catch all the drippings. Also I clean it afterwards.

[Sloppysod]

I think you will have a hard case to get the garage to admit not changing the filter, or anything else, I think you are just going to have to take it on the chin, for peace of mind, get someone else to change your filter, filters are less than £10 and go somewhere else next time.
I had similar issue once, I asked the garage not to change the cabin filter and on collection my bill included a cabin filter. I asked to see the old one, hey-presto, couple of minutes later the "old filter" was on the desk, then I told them that the old one was a Halfords own brand. I took the service guy to the car and removed my Halfords cabin filter - not really red faced, but just used the excuse - oh we usually change the filter it must have been a slip up by the girl who raised the bill - Sorry!!
I had easy, definite proof that something was amiss at the time of collection, you will not have the same advantage - good luck

[zakazak]

Well, I just took an oil sample out of the engine (it has been running just 60km since the oil change) and the oil is completely black and smells like petrol.
I will send this oil sample into a laboratory (together with a fresh oil sample) and get it analyzed.
It is about 70€ and you get all the oils parameters include estimated age and particles/delusion of the oil.

But I am pretty certain already that the oil filter and/or the oil hasn't been changed.

Really a shame. it is a big an official car dealer for 4 major car bands.

[Steve Walsh]

I would save the money and change oil / filter.
The plastic cap should go back to near enough same place if done right, It is a single start thread and should be tightened to the correct torque, I think about 25.5 nm
so in theory it should go back to near enough.

[zakazak]

I would save the money and change oil / filter.
The plastic cap should go back to near enough same place if done right, It is a single start thread and should be tightened to the correct torque, I think about 25.5 nm
so in theory it should go back to near enough.

That is the info I was exactly looking for. So no mattery how I put the cap on, it should always end up being in a similar position?

[myglaren]

Any reason that you can't do your own oil and filter changes?
If you can you know it has been done and with the correct items. And you save some money too.

I don't any more but have an independent garage that has been excellent and trustworthy since I started using them, wouldn't use anyone else.

[zakazak]

Any reason that you can't do your own oil and filter changes?
If you can you know it has been done and with the correct items. And you save some money too.

I don't any more but have an independent garage that has been excellent and trustworthy since I started using them, wouldn't use anyone else.

I just got the car with 3 years of warranty (2019 with currently 45.000km). So in order to maintain the warranty I will have to do the service at the dealer and also in case the oil/oil filter is even older or the engine already being damaged, I don't want to interfere in possible coming warranty scenarios.

I could sleep well knowing that they didn't change the cabin filter or air filter but the engine oil and engine filter is a very critical part. Currently I don't even believe that the engine oil / filter has been changed with the last service (which was done by the previous owner).

[LedZep]

I just got the car with 3 years of warranty (2019 with currently 45.000km). So in order to maintain the warranty I will have to do the service at the dealer and also in case the oil/oil filter is even older or the engine already being damaged, I don't want to interfere in possible coming warranty scenarios.
I could sleep well knowing that they didn't change the cabin filter or air filter but the engine oil and engine filter is a very critical part. Currently I don't even believe that the engine oil / filter has been changed with the last service (which was done by the previous owner).

You are right and i understand but there is no reason for anyone to know if you did an oil and filter change, if you know what i mean.Just do an oil change and that's it.Find a trustworthy garage to do the job.The oil plug or filter cup are not sealed with safe to have warranty issues.

[zakazak]

Ye I will most likely just do it myself (since I usually do it on my own). With an oil pump to remove the old oil it is actually a pretty easy job.

[Sloppysod]

Ye I will most likely just do it myself (since I usually do it on my own). With an oil pump to remove the old oil it is actually a pretty easy job.

I prefer not to use an oil pump, as there's a good chance that any sludge will remain, personal preference is with engine warm, remove plug and drain, any debris should flow out with the old oil.
My opinion is Oil pumps were introduced to save time & money and not to improve the process.