Too much oil

[julesy]

Not sure if i've got a problem or not... I checked my oil last week and it's reading way over the H mark on the stick (like about two inches higher). I topped up the oil a couple of weeks ago with about 500ml when the level was down at the "L"mark.

Question:
1. Is there any reason why the oil level reading would be high (apart from putting too much in)
2. If there is too much oil, is this a (big) problem ?

Oil pressures running pretty much OK...

Any thoughts/comments gratefully received.

Ta
Julesy

[kojak]

The only reason wht there is too much oil in is because someone/you have put too much in. The dipstick can sometimes be awkward to read. I always leave my stick out over night to get a proper reading next day.

Regarding will it do any damage. If its only a little over, then there should be no problems. If its a lot, then yes, it could...but not sure what. There was a thread on this 6 months ago, but i think the search facility is down.

The difference between the L and H mark is usually 2 litres. However, some (like mine) is only 1 litre.

>> Edited by kojak on Friday 17th June 15:11

[Cyclone1]

If I top mine up when it's half way between H and L (with about 1/2L), then the reading on the dipstick goes to about an inch or so above, I am not sure why? But it is definitely not overfilled (I have checked this after giving the car an oil change). After a few hundred miles it drops back to about a tad over full and then the dip stick reads accuratley again.

I wouldn't worry too much about it.

Worse case scenario is to do an oil change for extra reassurance.

[kojak]

I think you need to double check that you are getting a true reading, as I think thats your problem. 1/2 litre when the level is just over the L mark, shouldn't cause you to overfill.

Leave it overnight, with the dipstick out, so the engine is cold when you try it. As I said..it can be a tw&t to read otherwise. Thicker oil is worst to read, as it can cling to the dipstick/tube...thus giving you a wrong reading.

[flashheart]

I think the problem with too much oil is that the bottom of the pistons/crankshaft slap into the oil as they reach BDC. Not good when you are doing 7000rpm. It can cause the oil to aerate which may lead to a loss of pressure as the pump tries to pressurise this oil/air mix. Best bet is to drain a bit.

Please take this at face value. It is only stuff I have learned from reading these pages - I am not a mechanical engineer.

Regards

Flash

[GreenV8S]

Do you have a dry sump system, if so did you follow the appropriate procedure for measuring the oil level both times?

[kojak]

If its a 4.2/4.5 its a wet sump. The S6 is dry sump.