Overfilled Oil: EIGHT QUARTS!!!
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Howell MI
Overfilled Oil: EIGHT QUARTS!!!
I took my 2000 convertible with 16,000 miles on it to a Cadillac-Chevy dealer near Detroit (NOT Les Stanford) for a Mobil-1 oil change. About 100 miles later, I have a terrible knocking. I know I don't have them, but its equivalent to a bad lifter knock, and its the worst (loudest) upon deceleration. I will not start the car its so bad.
I looked at the receipt from the dealership. It says 8 quarts were put in. I looked at the dipstick. Much to my horror, I see its WAY above operating level.
Several questions:
1- Is my engine destoyed? I'm gonna call the dealership tomorrow and give them the option of coming with a tow truck to get (I don't want it running), rechanging the oil and hoping the knock goes away.
2- If they give me a hard time or if it is ruined, any idea what my legal options are? If it is damaged, I don't want it "fixed", I want it replaced (the engine). Additionally, since they screwed up a simple oil change, I DEFINITELY don't want them working on the engine.
Thanks for your opinions (unless you're from Les Stanford Chevrolet, I'll soon thank you for your help, too!)
I looked at the receipt from the dealership. It says 8 quarts were put in. I looked at the dipstick. Much to my horror, I see its WAY above operating level.
Several questions:
1- Is my engine destoyed? I'm gonna call the dealership tomorrow and give them the option of coming with a tow truck to get (I don't want it running), rechanging the oil and hoping the knock goes away.
2- If they give me a hard time or if it is ruined, any idea what my legal options are? If it is damaged, I don't want it "fixed", I want it replaced (the engine). Additionally, since they screwed up a simple oil change, I DEFINITELY don't want them working on the engine.
Thanks for your opinions (unless you're from Les Stanford Chevrolet, I'll soon thank you for your help, too!)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,984
Likes: 0
From: Central Coast CA
Over filling your oil is not going to destroy your engine. Just let some oil out. What is worse is if they did that, you can be sure they didn't even put the correct oil in your car (weight or synthetic).
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,012
Likes: 15
From: Jensen Beach FL
Originally Posted by Shylor
Over filling your oil is not going to destroy your engine. Just let some oil out. What is worse is if they did that, you can be sure they didn't even put the correct oil in your car (weight or synthetic).
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,865
Likes: 0
From: Chicago il
I doubt over filling will cause any damage. Unless you were racing the car, or constanly putting it under heavy load ( WOT). Usually the oil has a means of escape, most cars will blow it out of the dip stick. some will blow it into the vacuume lines etc etc, Its not good, but its not permanate damage. Definatly call the dealer ship and make them do everything. I would een ask to stand under the car and watch them drain it. Maybe even bring some empty containers to drain it in
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,984
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From: Central Coast CA
I think you learned a lesson here. Always and I mean always look over any work done by dealership service goons before you leave the lot. If you had an oil change then check the level before leaving the dealership. Don't assume they did things correctly.
One reason why I do my own oil changes, then I know it's done right.
One reason why I do my own oil changes, then I know it's done right.
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Howell MI
On all of my other vehicles, I do change my own oil ... obsessively. Unfortunately, I can’t get under my C5 and have yet to find a capable ramp or any kind of jack that will fit under it either.
For the posts that offered helpful advice, I do appreciate it.
For the posts that offered helpful advice, I do appreciate it.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,984
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From: Central Coast CA
Originally Posted by YZRMAN 19 C5
Unfortunately, I can’t get under my C5 and have yet to find a capable ramp or any kind of jack that will fit under it either.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 280
Likes: 0
From: Calabash NC
Originally Posted by YZRMAN 19 C5
On all of my other vehicles, I do change my own oil ... obsessively. Unfortunately, I can’t get under my C5 and have yet to find a capable ramp or any kind of jack that will fit under it either.
For the posts that offered helpful advice, I do appreciate it.
For the posts that offered helpful advice, I do appreciate it.
I made mine out of plywood. start out with a few longer pieces to get it started up the ramp and add 3 inch shorter pieces till you get it to the height you want. I added a couple extra short blocks at the end for stops. they don't slide and are not a drastic incline when driving up on them.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,847
Likes: 1
From: Iowa
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
Someone please correct me if I'm wrong here, but wouldn't the result of overfilling the crankcase allow the rod journals to dip into the oil and start beating it into a froth? ( excessively aerating the oil)......thereby preventing the main bearings from being adequately lubricated?....and THAT being the cause of the "knocking" sound?
Also, I was always under the impression that the crankcase is NEVER under any sort of pressure, where excess oil would be "forced out the fill tube" or "blow out the seals"?
Am I THAT far out of touch with this modern technology?
Also, I was always under the impression that the crankcase is NEVER under any sort of pressure, where excess oil would be "forced out the fill tube" or "blow out the seals"?
Am I THAT far out of touch with this modern technology?
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,726
Likes: 368
From: Montoursville Pa
Originally Posted by MagikDraggin
Someone please correct me if I'm wrong here, but wouldn't the result of overfilling the crankcase allow the rod journals to dip into the oil and start beating it into a froth? ( excessively aerating the oil)......thereby preventing the main bearings from being adequately lubricated?....and THAT being the cause of the "knocking" sound?
Also, I was always under the impression that the crankcase is NEVER under any sort of pressure, where excess oil would be "forced out the fill tube" or "blow out the seals"?
Am I THAT far out of touch with this modern technology?
Also, I was always under the impression that the crankcase is NEVER under any sort of pressure, where excess oil would be "forced out the fill tube" or "blow out the seals"?
Am I THAT far out of touch with this modern technology?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,059
Likes: 12
From: AKA Harvey Mushman-I know just enough to be dangerous "Those who sacrifice liberty for safety deserve neither"- B. Franklin
Senior Member
Cruise-In V Veteran
Originally Posted by MagikDraggin
Someone please correct me if I'm wrong here, but wouldn't the result of overfilling the crankcase allow the rod journals to dip into the oil and start beating it into a froth? ( excessively aerating the oil)......thereby preventing the main bearings from being adequately lubricated?....and THAT being the cause of the "knocking" sound?
Also, I was always under the impression that the crankcase is NEVER under any sort of pressure, where excess oil would be "forced out the fill tube" or "blow out the seals"?
Am I THAT far out of touch with this modern technology?
Also, I was always under the impression that the crankcase is NEVER under any sort of pressure, where excess oil would be "forced out the fill tube" or "blow out the seals"?
Am I THAT far out of touch with this modern technology?
It's also the only post with an explanation of the terrible noise. I do hope that's not the case though. Keep us posted.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 822
Likes: 0
From: Grafton Ohio
Originally Posted by Biker Bob
I made mine out of plywood. start out with a few longer pieces to get it started up the ramp and add 3 inch shorter pieces till you get it to the height you want. I added a couple extra short blocks at the end for stops. they don't slide and are not a drastic incline when driving up on them.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 486
Likes: 1
From: Houston TX
Originally Posted by jers98vet
I drive mine up on some 2x4's so I can get my jack under it but that plywood is a great idea. I think I'm gonna build some of those. Thanx for sharing!
- Wisdom
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 3,558
Likes: 2
From: Cape Coral FL
Originally Posted by MagikDraggin
wouldn't the result of overfilling the crankcase allow the rod journals to dip into the oil and start beating it into a froth? ( excessively aerating the oil)......thereby preventing the main bearings from being adequately lubricated?....and THAT being the cause of the "knocking" sound?