Engine - Mobil Oil Corporation Engine Oil Press Release
Number: 83-I-30Section: VI
Date: Dec., 1982
Subject: MOBIL OIL CORPORATION ENGINE OIL PRESS RELEASE
TO: ALL CHEVROLET DEALERS
On November 23, 1982, Mobile Oil Corporation issued the following press release:
Mobil Oil Corporation said today it had recalled certain shipments of one of its multi-grade motor oils, Mobil Super 10W-40, from distributors and retailers in six upper midwestern states (i.e., Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and the eastern half of Iowa). Other areas and other oils are not affected.
A Mobil spokesman advised that only one grade of oil, Mobil Super 10W-40, is involved and that the problem occurs only at low temperatures (below +20~F). Motorists in the six states who purchased Mobil Super 10W-40 since July, 1982 and put it in their cars should pay very close attention to the dash board gauges or an indication of low oil pressure. If the red oil pressure light remains on after starting, the engine should be turned off to avoid possible damage and a Mobil dealer called for assistance. Customers who purchased Mobil Super 10W-40 since July in the six named states and put it in their auto engines should go to a Mobil station as soon as possible and have the oil and oil filter replaced. Mobil will make this replacement at no cost to the motorist. "We are standing behind this product fully", the spokesman said. Affected customers will need to provide proper identification. A sample of the oil will be retained.
Customers who have unopened cans of Mobil Super 10W-40 purchased in these six states since July are encouraged to take the cans to a Mobil service station or the retail outlet where the purchase was made for a replacement in kind.
The Mobil Super 10W-40 in question was manufactured in July at the company's Cicero, Illinois, plant which supplies part of
Mobil's midwest market. There has been no problem at Cicero Since July and all suspect product has been recalled. The Mobil Super 10W-40 now on sale is the normal high quality product. "The low temperature problem became apparent only in the last few days," the spokesman added. There is no problem with other grades of motor oil and no problem with Mobil Super 10W-40 outside the six state area.
The faulty oil, Mobil Super 10W-40, was marketed through Mobil dealers and other retail outlets. "Most of what we will be taking back is good oil, but we just didn't want to take a chance," the Mobil spokesman said.
A REMINDER: THIS PROBLEM RELATES ONLY TO MOBIL SUPER 10W-40 AND NOT TO MOBIL'S OTHER MOTOR OILS.
We believe that all (division) dealers should cooperate with Mobil in their efforts to correct the situation.