Help! Before I have a debacle.

[gizzsdad]

Changed the oil in the wifey's truck Sat.(97 Nissan PU). When I poured the used oil into a gallon milk jug, which ALWAYS fills to within a half inch from the top, I had a little less than three quarts in the jug. I have no visible leaks, and was having a hard time imagining that it would all of a sudden start burning THAT much.

So I went ahead and put four quarts of gold GC in and cleaned up my mess. After a couple days of worrying about it I got a wild hair and decided to check the dipstick. Holy Crap, the level is about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch above the full mark!!

As near as I can tell, for some reason not all of the old oil drained out. I cracked the fill cap for venting like I always do. I did NOT pull the plug again after changing the filter.

Anybody ever have this happen? So far my best thought is to clean out my drain pan, dump the oil, and put four quarts of the blend(yech!) back in. I hate to waste four quarts of GC and start over. Anyone have any better ideas?

Thanks in advance.

 

[TallPaul]

I would drain off about half a quart or so, but absolutely do not drain it all out. Mixed with a half quart or so of used oil is no problem, you have about 80 to 90 precent fresh oil so it is like being maybe 500 miles into the new oil change interval. Also, some distance above the full mark is not a problem. Check your owner's manual. On my Fords it allows about half inch over but not to top up that high. Still, draining off half a quart (careful don't drop the plug) is probably the best/safest route.

 

[Drew99GT]

This used to happen all the time with my Dad's 98 4.3L Blazer. I'd add 4 quarts, check the oil level, it'd be a 1/2 quart low; I'd add the 1/2 quart, and the oil level would be 1/2 quart high. After using Auto-RX, this doesn't happen any more. My guess is there's deposits around the oil drain ports in the cylinder heads holding back oil in the heads. But I had a glimpse into the engine recently when it was opened for intake gasket surgery and it was spotless!

 

[moribundman]

I'd just drain the excess oil and maybe change the oil a bit earlier than planned. I wouldn't drain it all and start over.

 

[y_p_w]

You might want to try to suck the excess out with a turkey baster and extension hose. Oil analysis samples are often taken in a similar manner. I don't know if access might be easier through the dipstick or filler hole. There are some cars (2001 Toyota Camry comes to mind) where the filler hole is so different that you wouldn't be able to do that.

 

[gizzsdad]

I thought about trying to drain a quart or so, but then I thought as long as I had the drain pan clean, what's the harm in draining it all, measuring it, and then putting it back.

It has always had Mobil 1 5w30, changed every 2000 miles (yes, I know I'm wasting money), so I wouldn't think I have too much sludging going on.

 

[Gary Allan]

I wouldn't even worry about it, myself. This is on a SUV not a low profile econo box or road racer that has a pan that is very close to having the oil whipped up in the crank. My Caravan can run a quart high and not even see it.

 

[michaelc80]

My wifes Cherokee does that once in a while. I pour the used oil into gallon milk jugs, and what should be 6 quarts (1.5 jugs) is for some reason about 5 quarts (filter was dumped into the catch pan too). I wouldn't worry too much about it-if it makes you nervous then drain a bit out.

Nice to see a fellow Iowan here! Where in Iowa are you at? And where the heck did you find some GC around here?

 

[jorton]

The turkey baster or a hand pump is a good idea if you have an empty quart bottle.

My Sentra has a bad rear main seal now and if that can be caused by overfilling, you should do SOMETHING tomorrow. I have to add 1/2 qt every 600 miles.

Joe

 

[gizzsdad]

quote:

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Originally posted by michaelc80:

Nice to see a fellow Iowan here! Where in Iowa are you at? And where the heck did you find some GC around here? [/QB]

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I'm in Nevada. How 'bout you? Got the GC(gold) at AZ in DM. Haven't seen any green anywhere.

 

[gizzsdad]

An update.

Drained oil Fri. night. After it started dripping, I had wife watch while I literally shook the truck to see if I could shake any oil out of the top end. She said a few drops came out, but not much.

I then poured the oil into a milk jug, and got less than a gallon. Looked like about the right amount to account for the filter. Poured it back in, level is now about 1/4 inch above the full mark. I will obviously be checking it very closely this OCI. Still have no idea where all that oil went.

 

[Bill in Utah]

Not trying to sound like I sell these things...

But a Fram Sure Drain is a easy way to lower the level of the oil and take samples if needed.

Same with the other drain (starts with a F?)

Fumoto? (sp)

Take care, Bill

 

[AndyH]

quote:

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Originally posted by Bill in Utah:
But a Fram Sure Drain is a easy way to lower the level of the oil and take samples if needed.

Same with the other drain (starts with a F?)

Fumoto? (sp)

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Yes, Fumoto valve:
http://www.fumotovalve.com/

 

[michaelc80]

quote:

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Originally posted by gizzsdad:

quote:

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Originally posted by michaelc80:

Nice to see a fellow Iowan here! Where in Iowa are you at? And where the heck did you find some GC around here?

---

I'm in Nevada. How 'bout you? Got the GC(gold) at AZ in DM. Haven't seen any green anywhere. [/QB]

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I live just north of Bondurant. I work in Ames though-and about half the office lives in Nevada (pronounced Ne-vay-da for those not familiar with Iowa!). I pass through Nevada everyday on my way to and from work.