Oil cap left off

So..im sitting at the dealer because while washing my truck i popped the hood and found the oil fill cap resting on the battery...there was some light dust going into the fill neck...i freaked...im at toyota and they tell me that there is a baffle there to catch debris and not to worry....i dont believe them....i cant find any info on this...i have a 2019 tacoma with 13800 miles on it...is this true..or does the baffle simply deflect oil not catch debris? I did not spray any water into the engine...they are not doing an oil change as they maintain that there isnt anything to be concerned about...they say that between the baffle and the oil filter..no damage could be had..no oil came out...i i knew for certain they are full of it..i would throw a stink..and they would change the oil...but im having it documented and signed...

 

I wouldn’t worry too much. Any dust that got into the oil through that hole will be filtered before it is pumped into the extremely critical journals and high tolerance gaps by the oil pump. The engine doesn’t pump raw oil out of the sump.

If you were Baja running with no cap, that’s another story, but a toodle around town I wouldn’t sweat it. Get a free oil change out of them!

 

See a lot of water around that area. Any get inside the filler?

 

No water in there..that is where i was wiping with a wet rag....i had not sprayed anything in there..

 

You say get a free oil change out of them..is this in retribution for a poorly done job or because it should be changed to prevent damage...all i do is tootle around town and go to work...

 

I think, as a good faith gesture, they should offer to change the oil for you to set your mind at ease, if you are worried something got in there. It’s a pretty big screw up on a simple job that they make good money on.

 

I wouldn't worry about it, that's what an oil filter is for! If you went off road, it might be more concerning. If they change the oil and filter you should be fine.

 

Okay..thanks guys great to have you...im disappointed in myself that i didnt insist they change the oil..i have another 6k before the oil gets changed again....they said its not a big deal and wiped out the filler neck..i asked if they checked the oil level and he didnt know...lol..so i checked it and it was good..and the oil looked pretty clean..not perfectly clean but clean as i had 3800 miles on the oil

 

Leaving the oil cap off seems to be a fairly common problem even among do-it-yourselfers.

I added it to my oil change checklist on the oil level/leak check line.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/oil-change-checklist-service-record.462476/

 

If you really feel the need get a sample and send to Blackstone Labs.

 

I looked up the blackstone....only $30..thays very interesting.....

 

I always check over my truck after service . I want my oil exactly on the full mark after a change and check it the same day then I check it every 1000 miles to monitor . Just take 15 minutes and pop the hood , walk around the truck and look for scratches or dents , check that all caps are tight on engine and look underneath for drips . There's no baffle that would allow oil to pass but not dust . I think I would call them and say it's been bothering me and ask for a free oil change asap .

 

I agree....im going to do that monday

 

That's the new Toyota rust prevention campaign.

 

Least you know they actually changed your oil ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

No one is perfect.. Some people forget the oil cap, gas cap, etc.

Sometimes people forget the gas pump nozzle that left in and run off, broke off the hose from the pump.

At least the service can give you free oil change for next service for the 'oops' they made.

 

Did the dealer leave the cap off in the first place?

At least they didn't leave the drain plug out.

Reason number 5000 why I wrench on all my own stuff.

 

I had the exact same thing happen. I filed a complaint with Toyota Corp and they had the dealerships customer relations specialist contact me and give me a free extended warranty. I wouldn't accept anything less. Sure its a simple mistake, but if my motor craps out because something flew in there then I want to make sure I'm covered now.

Also, that's the last time I'll ever take my vehicles to the dealership for simple maintenance.

 

The truck is going to blow up, Op deserves a brand new motor.

 

So important.

When I lived in Utah, Summit Park near Park City, I had been changing my oil for about 20 years. One very cold night (around 0°) I decided to change oil in the garage. We had heat going into the garage, but still around 30 degrees. I couldn't wait to get done.

Next day going down I 80 to Salt Lake the Jeep shuttered and died. I had replaced the new oil filter over the top of the old gasket.

I calculated all the money I "saved" over the years by changing my oil. Didn't cover the replacement of the engine.

Never changed the oil myself again. I'm not a detail oriented guy.