Engine Oil overfilled?

Hey guys,

I was driving home today and got a check oil notification, didn't remember the exact wording but it said something about replacing or replenishing oil soon, this notification didn't light any lights on the dash and disappeared.

I pretty much immediately pulled over and checked the oil levels, and they looked to be higher than recommended (about 150%, if i was eyeballing it right, it was about (half the distance between the bottom dot and the top dot) over the top dot

I checked this when the engine was warm, as recommended by the owners manual

I haven't noticed any issues since i got my last oil change (a few months ago or so maybe?)

I'm wondering how urgent it is to get this fixed, and if it could have already caused lasting damage?

I want to get my car to a mechanic asap but because of work and not having a ride it'd probably have to wait until Tuesday or Wednesday

Part of me says that shouldn't be an issue because it's been driven this long no problems, but I have no idea what sort of damage this could have done, i'm not really car savvy so im unsure what to do here, anyone want to weigh in on this?

 

Half way between the dots means your low. The top dot equals full

 

You misread, it's above the top dot by half the distance between the bottom and top dot, eg:


x <--- where it is



* < -- top dot






* < -- bottom dot

 

Oh, sorry. It's hard to get an accurate reading when the engine is hot. Wait 10-15 minutes for the oil to settle, wipe off the dipstick & take another reading.

 

The distance between the two dots is equal to a quart. So if you are you are half that distance over the top dot, you are maybe 1/2 a quart over full. Nothing to worry about.

 

That's a lot. You'll need to drain to top mark.

 

I'll get it to a mechanic soon and have them change it as I think i might be overdue anyways for an oil change, i'm having trouble finding out when my last one is and i'd rather be safe and get it changed than be sorry and forget when I had it changed.

That being said, my other question is how big of a deal is this? like should I be worried?

 

If it's THAT high as you quoted, I'd get it towed.
Draining is easy to do. If you drained too much then add a little and drive to your mechanic.
If you've never changed oil before, get it towed.
It can get REALLY messy draining partial oil.

 

You've been driving like this for how long? I'd drain a little and call it good until you go for an oil change. Blowing seals is a big concern with it overfilled. I'd think the damage is already done if it's been like this for weeks but perhaps you may be lucky with no damage at all.

 

Oil change is every 10K so it should be easy enough to know when the last change was.

 

Half a quart is nothing to worry about. Some of these engines can take much more before seals start to leak. Get an oil extractor (this is how I change my oil anyway) and pump out some of it. If you don't have one or don't want to get one then take it to your mechanic and do an oil change and have him check the seals while he is at it.

 

I overfilled mine too recently and its not a big deal just dont take the drain plug out all the way. Yes its messy but its really easy

 

If you overfill it too much you can seize the engine, the crankcase will aerate the oil and that can make it loose oil pressure. But we're talking a big overfill for that to happen, a half quart extra or so won't hurt anything...in any case it isn't hard to drain the extra out if you're worried about it

 

Could you not also buy a cheap transfer hand pump at lets say harbor freight and put it through the filling hole?. would think that this is less of a hassle and better to control.

 

Thanks for all the helpful feedback guys, I appreciate it!

 

Lots of doom and gloom in here... From what you stated, you should be fine waiting a couple days until you can get your oil changed. Like mentioned, if overfilled by a substantial amount, you can run the risk of aerating oil in the pan which will result in low oil pressure / engine damage. I wouldn't worry about this if it's only over-filled to the mark you stated.

Now with all that said, this should be a good example of why its important to take 5 minutes once a month and check your fluid levels. A couple minutes here and there will potentially keep you from getting stranded, and or a hefty repair bill. Oil, coolant level, power steering fluid. All are easy to check and right under the hood.

 

Checking oil level immediately after shutdown, especially with this thin one, is not gonna give you correct reading..

 

If you're almost due for an oil change, meaning you've been driving a half qt overfilled for how long?

 

another one???

 

Excellent diagram. Even I understood where your oil level was after that. And Im a certified idiot.