Overfilled Oil

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks
View Threaded
Tue 30 Mar 2004 20:48
Overfilled Oil - Wales Forester
I had my 1.8 Mondeo serviced at a Ford main agent 3 weeks ago.
As the car had used some oil in the last few months I decided to check the oil level this evening.

I drove home from work, parked up and left the car for about 10 mins to let the oil drain back into the sump.

I then dipped it and found that the oil level is 5-6 mm above the MAX mark.

I am aware what damage can be caused by overfilling etc, but how far over the MAX mark should I worry about it, is there any acceptable margin for error?


PP
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 30 Mar 2004 20:53
Overfilled Oil - Dynamic Dave

A recent thread on the same subject:-

www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=20868

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 30 Mar 2004 22:06
Overfilled Oil - Wales Forester
Thanks Dave, there's a good spilt in opinion there really.
Think I'll take it back and get them to let a bit out.

PP
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 31 Mar 2004 09:31
Overfilled Oil - Cliff Pope
Thanks Dave, there's a good spilt in opinion there really.
Think I'll take it back and get them to let a
bit out.
PP


Nice one! "Spilt" is certainly what you'll get, if you have ever tried just letting out a bit!
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 31 Mar 2004 19:10
Overfilled Oil - Wales Forester
Well I'd like to say I meant to spell it like that but I'd be lying!

I'd rather let them spill it than get my own hands dirty :-)

PP
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 31 Mar 2004 20:19
Overfilled Oil - 659FBE
An overfill of this order probably won't matter, especially if the level is soon lowered by the engine burning oil. The only exception to this I have found is the small PSA IDI diesel, which wets its timing belt if filled to max. (7/8 full is OK).

The best way to relieve an engine of a little oil is to unscrew the filter with a bowl underneath. Screw it back up when enough has come out, unless the engine is so overfull that you have to run the engine with the filter tight to refill it.

659.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link