Tendency to overfill engine oil....

recycled sixtie · recycled sixtie's Garage

What is it with these indy shops or dealers that tend to overfill the engine oil above the high mark. Surely it is not that hard to understand and fill to the max limit on the dipstick?

Are the technicians that rushed that they cannot fill to the correct oil level accurately?
The damage I think could be substantial if frothing occurs. I believe the Boxster is one of the less forgiving. How about other cars and suv's?

My rant for the day. I am sure you technicians don't do this......

bell · bell's Garage

probably due to not draining long enough, then just dumping in what all data says it takes..

masraum · 10-31-2016, 05:57 AM

My guess is that they either guestimate or if they use 1quart bottles, they just throw whole bottles in and figure it'll eventually come down to the right level.

Most shops are crap.

ossiblue · 10-31-2016, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bell

probably due to not draining long enough, then just dumping in what all data says it takes..

Quote:

Originally Posted by masraum

My guess is that they either guestimate or if they use 1quart bottles, they just throw whole bottles in and figure it'll eventually come down to the right level.

Most shops are crap.

I would say it's a combination of the above^^, with a lot of emphasis on the inadequate draining. We can certainly throw in the failure to change out the oil filter as well, even though it was supposed to be done.

Eric Hahl · Eric Hahl's Garage

Or, they are filling it and not starting it to check the level. Oil level needs to be checked with the engine running.

GH85Carrera · GH85Carrera's Garage

For several years there was a oil change place 3 blocks from my office. I could drive by and see the bay open and just pull right in. They knew me and my El Camino and had no problem with me standing next to the car. I would watch as they drained the oil and and replaced the filter. I always watched him tighten the drain plug and they would lube the several zerks. They often just globed grease on top of the ball joints but for sure some went in even if it was messy.

They used Valvoline and were careful to get the level correct. Once they even brought me down into the pit to show me my drive shaft u-joints were in need of replacement. They did not do that sort of work. It was nice they actually looked around at a car.

It was just a couple of bucks more than me doing all that myself. I changed jobs and I don't go by there now so I do it myself now.

The good shops are out there, just hard to find.

vash · vash's Garage

the fast shops shoot the oil out of a gun right?

i think my tacoma takes 4.8 quarts with a filter change. not so sure that gun can dial in 0.8 quarts.

T77911S · 10-31-2016, 09:39 AM

perhaps they don't account for the filter.
drain, remove filter, FILL TO FULL MARK, send you out the door.

BTW, I usually fill my new filter 3/4 before putting back on. helps with "no oil pressure" at startup.

Don Ro · 10-31-2016, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Hahl

Oil level needs to be checked with the engine running.

First time I ever heard this. ???

Chocaholic · 10-31-2016, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T77911S

perhaps they don't account for the filter.
drain, remove filter, FILL TO FULL MARK, send you out the door.

BTW, I usually fill my new filter 3/4 before putting back on. helps with "no oil pressure" at startup.

A good idea as long as your filter mounts vertically. Not so good if horizontal.

Joe Bob · Joe Bob's Garage

Oil change, you pay for that?

MBAtarga · 10-31-2016, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T77911S

perhaps they don't account for the filter.
drain, remove filter, FILL TO FULL MARK, send you out the door.

BTW, I usually fill my new filter 3/4 before putting back on. helps with "no oil pressure" at startup.

How about Installing new filter somewhere in those steps?

Jeff Alton · 10-31-2016, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vash

the fast shops shoot the oil out of a gun right?

i think my tacoma takes 4.8 quarts with a filter change. not so sure that gun can dial in 0.8 quarts.

Most guns measure to 2 decimal points.

M.D. Holloway · 10-31-2016, 07:17 PM

Oil expands in volume when hot also it is far worse to put too much oil in then not enough.

FPB111 · 10-31-2016, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don Ro

First time I ever heard this. ???

Not water cooled, except Mezger engines, just air cooled dry sump.

KNS · 11-01-2016, 03:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don Ro

First time I ever heard this. ???

On my 2013 BMW 128i the oil is checked with the engine running. No dipstick (stupid idea), oil is read off the instrument display, engine warm and running.

I can see how quick change shops not familiar with newer cars lacking a dipstick can overfill.

fastfredracing · 11-01-2016, 03:38 AM

Whiners . We even try to give you a little extra, and you still complain

GH85Carrera · GH85Carrera's Garage

On my good ol small block Chebby 350 in the El Camino I just put in 5 quarts at an oil change. If I check the oil level when the engine is full temp 195 degrees it always shows about 1/3 low. If I check it in the morning when all the oil has drained from the top end, it is right at the full mark.

aschen · 11-01-2016, 06:14 AM

I admittedly round up in .5 increments. I may be a terrible person but it hasn't given me any trouble

One car takes 4.2 and I usually put in 4 "and a half"

my wifes old car tool 4.8 and I always put in 5 ish, unless of course I had a left over half quart from above car and then it only got 4.5

Maybe I should get one of these

GH85Carrera · GH85Carrera's Garage

My brother drives an old VW bug that uses 2.6 quarts or some silly tiny volume. He was in town once as I was doing an oil change on the 911. He was just amazed to see me pour in 10 quarts of oil and I told him I had to get the engine up to full temp and let it idle for a minute before I can even check the oil level accurately.