What happened if you've poured too much oil into the engine

The old Canadian mechanics I grew up around had a gentlemanly practice that after an oil change, the oil level should be two or three millimeters above the high oil line on the dipstick? Why? Because it shows discernment and class. Hope this furthers the discussion.
Lol
 
Although it depends by model, the dipstick usually is slanted as it enters the sump and in the case of Chevy LS engines, if you pour in too much it tops up the sump and then the oil spreads across the entire inside of the pan. pan. That height in the pan is not much.



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In the 13 Volvo S80, I try to get it right at the full mark, or just slightly under. The car does not measurably consume oil.

In the 18 CRV, which is an oil dilutor, I underfill a bit (to about 3/4 on dipstick). Then when the oil level rises from the fuel, it won't overfill as significantly.

In the 03 Civic, which consumes about 1qt per 2000 miles, I will overfill (~3.8qt vs 3.5) slightly to delay the time I need to top off.
 
I was a little unclear if he doubled oil by volume (which makes more sense to me) or by length of the "safe zone" on the dipstick (which seems arbitrary to me)?
 
So what's with all the manufacturer warnings in capital letters saying DO NOT OVERFILL? What is the manufacturer's definition of overfilling?
I always thought something major could happen if overfilled, even by a little.
I always fill mine as close to the top of the hatch as possible.
 
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