Too much oil??

johnjr · 08-01-2002, 06:04 AM

I have a few questions on oil levels. Yesterday, I noticed my oil level gauge creeping into the red during acceleration. When I was idling, it went about half-way up between the red and the white (top) of the gauge. So, with the engine at idle and warmed up to operating temp., I checked the oil level manually with the dipstick. It read between min and max, but on the low side. The level appeared to be only about one-third up the dipstick.

Knowing the dangers of overfilling from previous posts, I double-checked the manual to see the amount of oil between min and max. The manual said the difference between min and max was 2.4 qts, U.S. So, I figured if I added a quart of oil, I'd be safe.

I added the quart and drove the car as always. However, the oil level gauge now went all the way up into the white at the top. So, when I got home, again with the car idling and warmed to operating temp, I re-checked the oil level on the dipstick. This time, it was all the way to the max line on the stick. It's not above, but it is at the max line. Here are my questions:

1. Is running at the max level okay, or should I remove some oil?

2. Why would adding a quart, only, when the dipstick was showing about one-third capacity, fill the resevoir to max?

3. If I should remove oil, what's the best way to do it?

Thanks in advance for your responses!

johnjr
78 SC Targa

AirCooledExcellence · AirCooledExcellence's Garage

Hi John,

Are you sure the engine was at full temp?, were the oil lines to the front cooler hot? If the thermostat doesn't open you won't get an accurate reading.

Cheers,

Tim.
____________
1983 SC Targa

Jdub · 08-01-2002, 06:36 AM

John:

I would first make absolutely sure that your car was 110% warmed up to the correct temp., feeling the lines running on the right side of the car to ensure they are warm all the way up and back again. Then check the level again and see if it is now over the Max line.

If you feel the car is overfilled, take the excess out of the crankcase via the bolt on the sump. You will probably have to put a bit of oil back into the car in this case as I believe more will come out than you want.

Make sure to detach the oil breather line you see connected between the oil fill tube (right side of engine, facing) and the airbox. Drop this tube into a cup or rag you can place at the base of the oil fill tube and note what comes out. Typically frothy whitish stuff and some oil if the oil has been overfilled and the excess thrown into this tube (it happens).

You may also want to pop the airbox cover off and use a small mirror and carefully pull up on the sensor plate to note if there is excess oil in there as well. A careful cleaning includes VERY carefully raising the plate and gently wiping the excess oil from the plate. Bonus points if you pull the plenum (the tube from the airbox to the throttle body) and clean that, the throttle body, and any oil you see on the top of the sensor plate (again, carefully!).

Also, if the oil needs changing, this may be the time for it. Just a thought. Generally I don't think you are in a bad position if you have checked the oil level at full temp. and know it is *only* at the Max level. Note how your car starts over the next week or so, noting excess tailpipe smoke on startup.

johnjr · 08-01-2002, 06:46 AM

Thanks for the quick responses. I am sure the car was at operating temp - I drive the same route daily and the temp was consistent with previous drives. I should have mentioned that I did not have any smoke or oil smell at any time. Also, the engine compartment was as dry as a bone, like always, and there was no evidence of any oil anywhere else it shouldn't be.

johnjr
78 SC Targa

Rot 911 · 08-01-2002, 06:54 AM

John in my '86 even though the temp gauge may read that it is at operating temperature I found that the car really needs a good 30 minute run to fully open the oil thermostat that lets the oil run to the oil cooler. I have often got what you got, an initial low reading then a higher reading on the dipstick after a good hard 30 minute run then letting the car idle for a few minutes before I check the oil level.

johnjr · 08-01-2002, 07:08 AM

The daily route I drive takes me about 20 minutes (office to home), so maybe I didn't give it enough time to completely warm up, Kurt V. Still, the temps around here have been in the mid-90s...

Maybe I should just go ahead and remove some of the oil to be safe - even though I haven't had any symptoms (yet) of an overfill. What do you think?? I've read that a turkey baster can be used to suction out some oil. Is that true?

I am very mechanically challenged and scared to do all the stuff Jdub suggested. (I once tried to tune up a VW and messed up everything by getting the sparkplug wires crossed up.) If there's an easier (but effective) way to suction the oil than taking out the bolt on the sump, I'd rather try that.

Thanks.

johnjr
78 SC Targa

Rot 911 · 08-01-2002, 07:18 AM

John unless you were doing some serious hard cornering after the overfill, I doubt that any oil got sucked into the air box. It is easy to check, just open it up and look for oil. Yes you can use a turkey baster. I found that 5/8" fuel line slides right on to the end of the one I have. You will need about 18" of fuel line to make sure it gets down into the tank. CAUTION! The end of the baster tube is tapered. Make sure the fuel line does not come off and slide down into the tank!

Jdub · 08-01-2002, 07:41 AM

Kurt has turned my bizarre ritual into an easy task!

I'd do what he says, and I also must agree that, despite the mid-90s, you *do* need to run that car hard for a min. of 30 minutes to ensure the oil is fully warmed up.

John

johnjr · 08-01-2002, 07:53 AM

You fellas are great! Thanks for all the quick responses. I'll stop off at the store on the way home for a turkey baster and some fuel line...