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Basically the car ran fine, then it was towed, and now it's busted.
Of course, but how do you plan on proving this in a court of law.
Or a better example, lets say me or a buddy have a car and we want a free engine, why dont we just have it put in an illegal parking spot, let it get towed, and then scream bloody murder. the laws you expect to protect you, are also there to protect the towing company.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hanya
You are saying I simply don't have a case
No im saying your going to have to try your ass off to prove it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hanya
where everyone else seems to instinctually know that with it in gear is the source of the problem for being towed with the front wheels on the ground for a front wheel drive.
Instinct often times doesnt equate to truth.
Here's what your missing, i'm not against you, im not saying the towing of your car isnt the reason its all fucked up now and your left in a bind. I'm saying the towing company is going to disagree with you.
If i were you, i'd say that 45 mph in 1st gear caused the motor to spin at a unrealistic rpm which caused catastrophic engine failure.
The tow company may end up saying they backed it out then towed it properly, who knows.
To be honest i find your situation really interesting from an outside point of view, i'd be truly eager to know the outcome of what happens with it.
Its a stressful situation, and im sure your upset about it, so i wont post anymore.
Regardless if there is combusting or not any engine revving past it's tolerence is going to have internal components break and seize. They are built for a certian range from the factory, that is why there are limiters and when it is exceded it is catastrophic.
Of course. I absolutely agree with you, and when you consider eskimo's point, my money is 100% on the car being in 1st driven at 45mph caused unreasonable engine operating speed.
everyone in this thread hopes the towing company gets pwned.
we're just saying you better have all of your stuff straight and ready to give them hell to get a new engine/monetary compensation. jon probably has an idea or 2 of what to do. i would go to them present my case in person and then say i have a lawyer and im willing to take them to court about it etc etc. then have my lawyer call them up etc.
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every time u wheelie baby Jesus gives an angel its wings.
If the car was in 1st gear, how fast do you think the engine is turning at 60 mph? 10k rpms? This COULD pump all the oil to the top of the engine, and it now come back down to the oil pickup quick enough. This could heat things up a lot, then sieze when its parked.
edit: combustion isn't the only thing that causes heat. ;)
Machanical oil pumps are usually pumped by a lob on the cam shaft so it should still pump.
Wrong. Mechanical oil pumps are usually driven by the distributor, by a gear on the cam, or by the front of the crankshaft. Never by a lobe as far as I know.
I have no idea what kind of oil pump it has, sorry guys
I have talked to a lawyer on campus and he said he'd look into the case. His only hold up would be that student legal services are free for students and the car title is still in my dad's name. I wouldn't think that'd really be a problem since most of the students here drive cars in their parents' names. Of course I could easily just take the case elsewhere if he can't do it.
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MSF Graduate April 2005
1992 Honda Nighthawk 250 May 2005-May 2006
2001 Suzuki SV 650S May 2006-right now!
Hi my name is JoHannah and I like it when people spell my name correctly. So now there are no excuses!
First anyone can sue anyone in small claims court, or what ever your state has. You will NOT get a new engine. Your best bet is to get/sue for the retail Blue Book value of the car !!! + any and all towing charges.. Take pictures of your cars condition, service reciepts, towing bills, etc. Need a statement from your mechanic too as to the damage & his profesional opinion as to the damages- tear down fee/ Offer your mechanic $100 to go to court with you !! add to the amount you are suing for. . If they towed it backwards in one of the forward gears ( allowed engine to rotate oposite of normal rotatation it could have jumped timing w/ cam belt. Towing with the front wheels on the ground is a NO NO on front wheel drive. Even if the oil pump would work with is towed. If it is raised up enough the oil pickup could be uncovered. Was the car locked ?? when you picked it up??
I had a Dodge van towed for parking, the towing Co did $400 damage to it. AS I proved that they had moved it with a fork lift causing the damage. The paid for a new driveshaft & muffler.
The only thing I have minded is driving to work in 25 degrees in the early morning. It just sucks and makes me miserable. It's supposed to be warming up next week, so I just have to really tough out the cold nights for this weekend.
I usually do ride my bike almost all the time, it's just the car was a nice escape from the unbearable cold (and for buying groceries).
I guess I am going to do a lot of running around again today to see where I stand with everyone (lawyer, mechanic, tow company). Wish me luck!
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MSF Graduate April 2005
1992 Honda Nighthawk 250 May 2005-May 2006
2001 Suzuki SV 650S May 2006-right now!
Hi my name is JoHannah and I like it when people spell my name correctly. So now there are no excuses!
Hope it works out in your favor 
also warm weather is right around the corner!