my mechanic slightly overfilled oil change

[Kjmack]

VW engine's like to blow rear main seal when engine's are over filled . Only takes a half quart extra . Tons of guys on VW vortex that had weeping RMS and was cured by correcting fill level .

 

[redbone3]

The only problem with a small overfill is that the overfill can end up as a deposit on the intake valves. That is only a problem if your car has GDI.

 

[BJD78]

Exactly.The OP is talking about 1/2 qt over which would not be an issue. Could drain oil and reuse to correct level or could just drain the filter once or maybe twice or just leave it till next change. Some of the big V8s like the Northstars take 8 quarts and overfilling by a qt would barely be noticeable or trucks like my dads old 2003 F250 that also had an oil cooler and it took 16.5 qts 15 qts in the engine and filter and 1.5 in the cooler. I change my own oil most of the time, unless a change interval hits in the dead of winter then I go to an independent shop. My one and only experience at Gypyy Lube resulted in a stripped drain plug an overfilled engine and a leaking oil filter because they failed to remove the old filter gasket. IMO if you want an OC done right it is probably best to DIY then there is not doubt that the level is correct.

 

[dave1251]

Originally Posted by redbone3
The only problem with a small overfill is that the overfill can end up as a deposit on the intake valves. That is only a problem if your car has GDI.



I believe you can rethink this post.

 

[s2krunner]

Like some of guys said, nothing to worry about.

 

[madeej11]

flinter, you explicitly told the owner no less and they still screwed it up. It wasn't a dealership I gather so it probably was a smaller type garage, even more reason for there to be better communication. Were your instructions written on a work order? I would go back and get it done properly, maybe they'll compensate you in some way for your trouble. You paid for a service and you should get what you paid for. Personally I hate overfills. My engine doesn't use any oil so I don't need extra in the sump. In my case I always fill just a tad under the full mark. Next time wherever you get it done just bring the exact amount. Cheers.

 

[hpb]

Originally Posted by hallstevenson
Interestingly, you haven't indicated what the dipstick shows. I don't think you can accurately determine what the mechanic put in, down to the 1/4 quart level, based on the dipstick.


Correct. It might be spot on the full mark. Check the dipstick and let us know please!

 

[JohnnyJohnson]

You mean your old mechanic. If they don't pay attention to small attention they aren't trustable in my book.

 

[Loobit]

Many techs out there fill the crankcase with the oil capacity spec they found, start the engine to get the oil to flow, and then immediately check the oil seconds after shutting the engine off. This leaves some oil hanging around on the heads, causing the oil level to be below the full level on the dipstick. This is when mechanics top it off to the full level and add more oil than they should In reality, the oil from the heads should eventually flow back into the pan and cause the oil level to reach the full mark without topping off.

 

[Hall]

I'm thinking the OP told them "4.25 quarts" and it was hand-written on the work order. Then, the "2" could easily be misread as "7". Of course, someone could have double-checked the capacity from the internet, a manual, etc.

 

[redbone3]

Originally Posted by dave1251
Originally Posted by redbone3
The only problem with a small overfill is that the overfill can end up as a deposit on the intake valves. That is only a problem if your car has GDI.



I believe you can rethink this post.


Nope. When you overfill the crankcase it can result in the crankshaft vaporizing the overfill, that vapor is going into the intake manifold and can ultimately end up as a deposit on the intake valves. This is not a problem with conventional fuel injection because the incoming gasoline cleanses the intake valves. If you have GDI this cleansing action does not happen.

 

[demarpaint]

I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[DGXR]

I also would like to know what the dipstick is reading. Sure, 1/2 quart too much oil could be concluded as overfilled. But owner's manuals provide a capacity, then they *always* say to recheck level after running the engine... that means using the dipstick.
OP, please do this and report back.

 

[flinter]

Thanks guys,

I came into the shop with 5 qts of Pennzoil Platinum 5W-20 and the Hyundai Elantra. I specifically told the shop owner to tell his tech to be sure to fill with 4.25 quarts. The tech was right there and understood, yet he still went ahead and filled with 4.75 quarts!

 

[oghl]

Not enough to lose sleep over. Next time give them 4 qts and put the last .25 qt yourself.

 

[TheLawnRanger]

I think this kind of thing is why a lot of us started working on our own vehicles.

 

[hpb]

Originally Posted by flinter
I came into the shop with 5 qts of Pennzoil Platinum 5W-20 and the Hyundai Elantra. I specifically told the shop owner to tell his tech to be sure to fill with 4.25 quarts. The tech was right there and understood, yet he still went ahead and filled with 4.75 quarts!


What's the oil level according to the dipstick?

 

[Wylie6G72]

The published oil change capacity on my 2015 Canyon is 6 quarts. Admittedly, I put the left front tire up on a 2x4 and let it drain for an hour, which may make a small difference, but 6 quarts only fills it to the middle of the range on the dipstick with it sitting on level ground for 30 minutes. I add another 1/2 quart+ to bring it to the top of the range.

You may not even be overfilled per the dipstick, but if you are, 1/2 quart will make no difference.

 

[Hall]

Originally Posted by hpb
What's the oil level according to the dipstick?

I asked this the same day the OP posted their question and you and one other repeated it. You have to wonder if the dipstick reading is fine after all....