Engine oil overfilled?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 946
Likes: 0
From: Lake Geneva WI
Engine oil overfilled?
I changed my oil and filter this weekend and now I have a slight oil smell and when I checked the dipstick it looks to be overfilled.
I found this thread/post when searching for info on the subject: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...10&postcount=5
The thread is closed, but indicated that you should drain oil, change filter and add 5 quarts of oil to be sure the level is correct from the start.
This is the second oil change I have done since having the Vette and had no problems last time. It seems to run ok, I am just worried I overfilled.
I drained the oil, removed/replaced the filter and added 5 quarts, no more, no less.... The manuals I have from GM indicate that 5 quarts is what you should put in the system. Is it possible that there is a little bit of residual oil remaining between changes?
Did I over fill?
I found this thread/post when searching for info on the subject: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...10&postcount=5
The thread is closed, but indicated that you should drain oil, change filter and add 5 quarts of oil to be sure the level is correct from the start.
This is the second oil change I have done since having the Vette and had no problems last time. It seems to run ok, I am just worried I overfilled.
I drained the oil, removed/replaced the filter and added 5 quarts, no more, no less.... The manuals I have from GM indicate that 5 quarts is what you should put in the system. Is it possible that there is a little bit of residual oil remaining between changes?
Did I over fill?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,006
Likes: 28
From: Lutz Florida
5 quarts is what I put in at each oil change. How long did you run the car afterwards? Maybe the oil filter hasn't filled up yet. I don't know if its absolutely necessary, but I always fill the new oil filter at least 3/4 full with fresh oil before installing it and then pour the 4 -1/4 (more or less) quarts left, into the crankcase.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 946
Likes: 0
From: Lake Geneva WI
5 quarts is what I put in at each oil change. How long did you run the car afterwards? Maybe the oil filter hasn't filled up yet. I don't know if its absolutely necessary, but I always fill the new oil filter at least 3/4 full with fresh oil before installing it and then pour the 4 -1/4 (more or less) quarts left, into the crankcase.
Thanks.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 497
Likes: 0
From: Streator Illinois
Depending on which filter you use, it could hold less than 1 quart so 5 quarts of oil could potentially overfill the crankcase. That would cause the spinning crankshaft to sling oil. It is easy to drain a small amount from the crankcase and then retighten the drain plug.
Better 1/2 quart below full (it's still above the add mark) than 1/2 quart too much. I usually fill the filter before spinning it on and then add 4 quarts, run the engine briefly to check for any leakage around the filter gasket, and then check oil level and top off only if necessary. BTW, regarding stock76's comment, it only takes a few seconds for the filter to fill - even if it is not manually filled prior to installation but you did say you have a few miles on the oil change.
Terry
Better 1/2 quart below full (it's still above the add mark) than 1/2 quart too much. I usually fill the filter before spinning it on and then add 4 quarts, run the engine briefly to check for any leakage around the filter gasket, and then check oil level and top off only if necessary. BTW, regarding stock76's comment, it only takes a few seconds for the filter to fill - even if it is not manually filled prior to installation but you did say you have a few miles on the oil change.
Terry
Pro
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 721
Likes: 105
From: hernando fl
if you drain the oil imediatley after shutiing down the engine a lot of oil (don't know the specific amount)is still draining back to the oil pan, it takes a while for it all to get back down there.that may be the problem
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,729
Likes: 267
From: Austin Texas
Corvette of the Year Winner 2017
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
If your Dip stick is correct for the motor,
you Fill Oil, depending on the dip stick level.
( Definitly nothing more, prefereably Nothing less.)
You are prefilling your oil filters before you install them right ?
69VETT
you Fill Oil, depending on the dip stick level.
( Definitly nothing more, prefereably Nothing less.)
You are prefilling your oil filters before you install them right ?
69VETT
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,540
Likes: 51
From: Lexington Park Maryland
Was your car on a flat surface (and motor hot) when you pulled the drain plug ?? Flat or slightly up in the front is good. If you were parked pointing down a slight hill all the oil may not have drained out. I always jack up the front of my car so I can fit under it (as well as make sure all the oil drains).
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 946
Likes: 0
From: Lake Geneva WI
Was your car on a flat surface (and motor hot) when you pulled the drain plug ?? Flat or slightly up in the front is good. If you were parked pointing down a slight hill all the oil may not have drained out. I always jack up the front of my car so I can fit under it (as well as make sure all the oil drains).
In any event it just seems a bit high on the dipstick.
Oh the oil was not hot, just warm. I ran it enough to drive up on the ramps.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,213
Likes: 643
From: Orange County Ca
I've always felt that a LITTLE over or under is not a problem. GM actually advises to add a extra quart when racing. But saying that, shoot for the correct level.
Also, it has been noted many times, a hot engine will drain more oil than a cold engine if you don't spend alot of time on the change. A over night drain may be the same. I've heard of up to 1/2 qt more from a hot engine. And, I believe it is generally better to have the car mostly level.
If you're only adding 4 qts to fill after a drain, is the oil dirty right away? Could be that 1 qt of old oil that didn't get changed.
Also, it has been noted many times, a hot engine will drain more oil than a cold engine if you don't spend alot of time on the change. A over night drain may be the same. I've heard of up to 1/2 qt more from a hot engine. And, I believe it is generally better to have the car mostly level.
If you're only adding 4 qts to fill after a drain, is the oil dirty right away? Could be that 1 qt of old oil that didn't get changed.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 286
Likes: 1
From: Mesa az
Just some other thoughts. Does you oil pan have in major dents? Is it original?
And, when you removed the new (or old) filter did it have oil in it? There's a pressure bypass that is suppose to allow oil to get to the engine if the filter becomes clogged. It it were open then oil may not go through the filter. I've heard of folks removing it for different reasons. (??????)
Andy
And, when you removed the new (or old) filter did it have oil in it? There's a pressure bypass that is suppose to allow oil to get to the engine if the filter becomes clogged. It it were open then oil may not go through the filter. I've heard of folks removing it for different reasons. (??????)
Andy