MY NEW SNOW BLOWER DAMAGED OR RUINED? STARTED W/NO ENGINE OIL AFTER LOWES SAID IT WAS FULL! HELP! ?
I bought a brand new Troy Bilt snow thrower from my local Lowe's store this evening. The store manager (Troy) came around and along with the customer service member (John) they helped seal the deal of one of the most expensive ones that they offer. It was already assembled completely and ready to go; however, while they were checking everything to make sure it was completely ready, they noticed that there was no engine oil. Troy Bilt takes pride in offering their products (at least this one) with oil and so the manager ordered the employee to fill the oil reservoir. He told me that once they filled the oil - everything would be perfectly fine and dandy and that I could go ahead and start using this machine as soon as I got home and simply added gasoline. As they were filling the oil reservoir and pulling the snow blower up to the front, I simply walked around and picked up a few more things I needed. After paying for the items, they helped to load the machine into my vehicle and I brought her home. I took it out and had everything ready to go after filling the gas tank - just like I was told. I primed the engine and then pushed the start button. It started right away and then ran only for less than 2 minutes total...if that. I was impressed and thought everything was fine. The headlight was so bright and everything was going smoothly. Then it started to become terribly loud and had the hardest vibrations. After this short amount of time, it just completely shut itself down and I saw a plume of grayish smoke and then that was it. I was afraid to even try to start it again or do anything to it because it should not have been like that at all. This is a major purchase!
NOW: I am worried that the engine is damaged beyond repair. I will call Lowe's tomorrow and I am going to tell them what happened and that I want someone to come take a look at it, bring a bottle of engine oil, and then it if is alright as far as running - I want Lowe's to give me their extended warranty plan which they pushed me to purchase during the transaction this evening which I declined as I always do.
This should not have happened and this really is a major purchase so I am wondering what they will do to accommodate an unhappy customer. What if the engine is damaged completely and beyond repair? I know I can return the snow thrower and all that...but there were none left and this was the last one. Any advice, tips or ideas are greatly appreciated! HANKS!
THEY DID PROMISE to have it so it was ready to go and all I needed to do was add gasoline. I remember seeing the guys bending down and the store manager said to the employee, "Go get some oil for this." Now it is sitting out in my garage with a full tank of gasoline and I am so upset. It was hard enough getting that home and I won't have anyone to help get it back. I think Lowe's should come get it and they should replace with a brand new one or they should refund completely. I don't have the strength to get the machine in and out of the rear of the vehicle. My help is not here anymore...family is gone now and I am alone for some time. How could they expect an older woman to return this on her own?
PS: THANK YOU ALL FOR RESPONDING AND BEING SO HELPFUL!
It is very possible that the engine is not damaged completely and perhaps it could be looked at and they can see if it will work with new oil. But, don't you think I should push for a new one first? And then, if not that, they should come out and service it along with giving me the extended warranty. This is what they call a major purchase and it really is. I just don't know if I should settle for such an error with such an expensive machine. Also, I do not have the strength to lift this thing into the back of my suv at all. I don't know how I would return it or anything. I am calling first thing in the morning and I hope no one gets in trouble for misleading me...or any of that, but I have to be honest.
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5 Responses to “MY NEW SNOW BLOWER DAMAGED OR RUINED? STARTED W/NO ENGINE OIL AFTER LOWES SAID IT WAS FULL! HELP! ?”Leave An Answer
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If you ran the engine with no oil, it is trashed (beyond repair).
I have never heard of a store offering to install the oil for you.
If they did offer to fill it and then failed to do so, I would demand the unit be replaced or refunded. Repair is not an option…it would cost more to rebuild that engine than it would cost to replace it.
Lowes is a highly responsive store. Call them, tell them that you were told that the snow blower had oil (they really won’t argue) and tell them you’d like to have the snowblower replaced (preferably tell them you’ll be back with the old one in an hour). Assuming you bought it within the past 90 days..they’ll be very accomidating.
Just put the recommended weight oil in it and see if it runs. In two minutes it may or may not be damaged and not completely ruined. Always read the owners manual first.!!!! The motor is quite robust and may have survived.
I just wouldn’t trust this machine and would settle for nothing less then a replacement or refund. These stores are hurting now and I cant see them wanting to lose your business. The store manager should either come to your house and give you a hand or send someone to help you load it. Ask him to check the database to try to have a new machine sent from another store. If you aren’t satisfied- ask for the phone number for corporate and I am sure they will change their tone. Also FYI–some credit cards extend your warranty at no extra charge even if you pay it off in full. If you a cardholder– check your terms. I just bought a new LCD Tv and doubled my warranty term without having to pay an extra $125..
Totally agree with I am, fried, frozen motor. Insist (nicely at first, of course) that Lowes brings you another NEW, Ready To Run machine and remove the faulty one. They have delivery trucks. They can deal with the manufacturer. You can check the oil. Run it while the Lowes dudes are still there in case you run into the same problem. They want your business and will/should cheerfully replace your machine.