Truck was at dealer a couple of weeks ago for new lift pump after code and check engine light, but that's another issue.

Today I popped the hood to check fluids and found that dealer left air filter box wide open. I have driven about 1,000 miles with no filtered air intake. A few of these miles on a dusty dirt road. Truck seems to be running fine at this point but I am concerned about internal damage.

What problems might I have in the future due this issue? Is there anything I should do now?

Rick

 

Here is my guess as an engine builder:
With the box up front and up high, I would think that if anything, you helped your mighty CTD get a little further along in it's break-in period. Unless the goofs left a wrench or some other foreign object, (and the turbo would "filter" such items out), I wouldn't expect there to be any detectable damage.
However, it might be worth mentioning it to the service mgr, and I would think very seriously about finding someone else to service your truck.
Mike

 

Thanks for the info. This is what I was hoping to hear. I did infact mention this to the service manager and had him document the incident.

Rick

 

Maybe get an oil sample for peace of mind. That way you'll know if anything got in there and contaminated yer motor.

 

Definately get an oil sample. And go talk to the general manager of the dealership. Not quite as bad as forgetting to put oil back in after an oil change, but still pretty stupid

 

Had that happen to me one time as well, I talked them into a free oil change out of the deal.

 

Yep, I'd press them for a freash oil change & filter. The Oil's Silicon count (and other things) could be pretty high now.

 

what about dirt in the turbo?

 

I thought I saw another thread by you about this particular dealer. If so find another dealer as these guys must have received any training from a Cracker Jack box. No offense to Cracker Jacks.

L8r,............dogger

 

I'd press for an oil change and an oil sample analyzed on their dime.
and I'd WATCH them take, and package for sending the sample, then I'D take it to the post office.

 

Definitely change the oil first thing.
Do it on the dealers dime.

Have someone who knows a little bit about turbos look your turbo's compressor wheel over (not some dealer "tech").

Then complain to dealer that you want the intake tube cleaned or replaced, intercooler cleaned, intercooler tubes cleaned or replaced.

Don't let them make excuses this could have caused engine damage.

 

That's alright. When I took mine in to have the ball joints the truck came back with a nice clunking sound to it. I couldn't figure it out. Got under the truck one day and found out that the SOB's had left the 2 caliper bolts completely out of my driver side caliper.

 

That pretty much sums it up. I have the advantage of having lots of lawyers at work so they do that too. I have a problem I have them draft up a record that I reported it and this and that, and normally the service is very cheep That's the really nice thing about here, is it's such a big company they don't ask questions. When my power steering pump was bad I asked to go open the hood of a brand new truck and look, new pump for free. Sometimes you really just have to show them, that it's there fault (like no oil in motor, or no air filter, they could have very well cost you the life of the engine) Always document stuff like that, it'll help you if something big does happen to your motor.

I mean if they have to fix something they've never delt with, it's hard sometimes, but not putting your air box back together, common sense

 

I don't know if common sense in that case was really the issue. I think the tech just got in a hurry and got careless. He gets paid by moving that vehicle in and out as quick as possible and moving on to the next hunk of steel to make his money on. There is no love for your truck at a dealership, like you love your truck.

 

Thank you all for your replies. I had the incident documented with the service manager, and a printed copy is in my file. I'm changing oil this weekend. Thought about pushing for dealer to change oil, but don't want them touching anything else.

I'm going to take the advise of many of you and get an oil sample analysis. How is this done? Or, should I say, Who do I contact?

Thanks again for all the info. This site has helped so much in my diesel education.

Rick