[MindBomber]

Originally Posted by mr_chin

When he demanded regular oil, you should have just said OK, but put synthetic anyways. I don't know how procedures are in your workplace, maybe the acting manager hands you the oil?

If I caught someone doing that, I would fire them for theft on the spot. The difference in product cost required for a synthetic and dino change is a direct loss against the companies bottom line. That is NOT okay, under ANY circumstances. It would be better just to refuse to do the work.

Originally Posted by CorneringArtist

Spoiler!

Ff
As soon as I saw the vehicle was a 370Z, I instantly began to recommend to the advisor to use synthetic. There was no prior agreement to the use of synthetic or dino, so I'll assume the latter was likely to be used. The owner's manual has no strong indication for synthetic per se, but there is a VQ37-specific oil recommend by Nissan, and I even went as far as asking our parts department to call a Nissan dealership in order to confirm the use use of synthetic, and they mentioned a strong majority of their customers do so. All interactions occurred in the back away from the customer (but keep in mind that the customer agreed to use the synthetic when I had requested we use it), and he only made the decision AFTER intervening when he returned from lunch..

I completely understand that insubordination is 100% wrong, but there's no way I was going to risk my job had something actually happened as a consequence of using dino oil. I have nothing but the utmost respect for my superiors, but it's that one person that everyone seems to universally dislike, especially when he is given a taste of authority. This individual claimed "he had it up to here" with me,despite no prior action of me making any recent mistakes. Thanks to him, I feel like I'm not learning anything on the job because of his workflow control; all I get is oil changes and accessory installations, while I'm competent enough to do brake jobs and fluid replacements despite asking to do them. Again, he's treating me like an idiot, and I'm unable to show my potential off to my actual manager because of that. I've been here over a year and the biggest job I've done is a factory DVD player install, but that doesn't help me where it matters most: under the hood.

I have done research pertaining to oil use in a 370Z, and it seems that dino oil begins to break down at the average 370Z oil temperature of 250 degrees Fahrenheit, while synthetic begins to break down closer to 400. There was a potential for oil consumption down the line, and conventional has contributed to noisy valvetrains in these vehicles. In addition, using dino literally halves the oil change interval due to that breakdown (4000km vs, 8000km OCI).

Now I feel like I have a target painted on my back for trying to do the right thing. I feel like quitting, but I probably won't have another place to go to. And by no means am I a workplace asshole or shitstarter, I'm just (struggling) trying to learn new things every day with the utmost respect, and this was my first ever professional challenge of authority period,if you can even call it that. I have the drive to learn as MindBomber said of a good apprentice, but my potential is being stifled at this position.
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I should mention that regardless of what I know in the job, this person is ALWAYS right regardless, according to him. However, I've been told all his experience is via selling, and that he supposedly doesn't have a technician's ticket.

Let's just say I heard through the grapevine at work that he sent a (three-page) e-mail to my manager about what I had done. Safe to say he's pining to get my ass fired, and it all hinges on what happens when my actual manager returns on Monday. Even if I don't get let go, my time in the workplace may be made a living hell by him via work overload or possible harassment. I've been told by other technicians that once your're on that individual's hate list, he'll do anything to make you look bad, or to make working under him as uncomfortable as possible.

I'll be laying low and playing it by ear for now, but I'm already seeking other places of employment

I see, I can understand how the Service Manager might have been a bit upset given the way things played out. In a similar situation, I would have taken my employee aside towards the end of the day to have a brief chat about procedure, but would also have given them credit for their diligence at ensuring the job be done right. The Service Manager's actual reaction is excessive, a three page letter, surely he could more productively utilize his time.

You're already seeking other places of employment, and regardless of whether disciplinary action takes place, I would suggest following through with that. I cannot understate how difficult it was for me to find good young employees with a desire to work, take on new skills, and in time move up in rank. If you feel your current employer is not giving you the opportunity to maximize your potential, there will always be another employer eager to help you achieve your goals because it will benefit them as well.