How much is too much?

The Gas and Diesel Engines - VQ40De, VK56DE, YD25DDTi, V9X, Transmission, Transfer Case, Oil, Differentials, Axles, Exhaust...

Moderator: volvite

Spatula
Posts: 62
Joined: Sat Jan 04, 2020 5:02 pm
Location: Regina, Canada

How much is too much?

Postby Spatula » Tue Jul 23, 2024 9:15 am

It really pains me to ask this... But how much is too much oil...? The dipstick has little holes, are those the absolute min/max? I changed my oil on Sunday and after checking the level it seems to reach past the top hole to the top of the H but below the bend...

Follow up, is there a way to drain a bit out? Maybe if I loosen the filter?
Attachments
PXL_20240722_235232752~2.jpg


User avatar
VStar650CL
Posts: 598
Joined: Wed Dec 09, 2020 6:19 pm

Re: How much is too much?

Postby VStar650CL » Tue Jul 23, 2024 11:58 am

Sticks vary depending on engine design, but because most of them enter the crank at an angle, one side will generally read a tad higher than the other. The side that reads lower will be the true level. On axial VQ's anything up to about 3/16" overfull won't cause problems, above that you risk occluding the oil jets. That's the main problem which occurs from overfilling on any engine, the jets are what cool the piston crowns and help lubricate the wrist pins.

You're correct that taking the filter loose and letting some oil dribble out is the easiest way to release a small amount on most engines.

Spatula
Posts: 62
Joined: Sat Jan 04, 2020 5:02 pm
Location: Regina, Canada

Re: How much is too much?

Postby Spatula » Thu Jul 25, 2024 2:05 pm

Thanks! I ended up taking the filter off and dumping it out carefully, twice, and now I'm about 1/4" below the top hole. I was worried that it would free flow if I took the filter out, but it did not.
I realize that picture I attached was not great, the oil level was definitely into the H but by the time I took the picture it looked low, of course.

User avatar
AS_The_Crow_Flys
Posts: 139
Joined: Wed Jun 15, 2022 1:28 pm

Re: How much is too much?

Postby AS_The_Crow_Flys » Fri Jul 26, 2024 11:36 am

If you had a skinny hose and a pump or bravery (human suction) you could probably pull some out of the dipstick tube.

User avatar
smj999smj
Site Admin
Posts: 6070
Joined: Sun Jan 22, 2012 11:13 pm
Location: Prospect, VA

Re: How much is too much?

Postby smj999smj » Mon Oct 21, 2024 11:36 pm

That little bit wouldn't have made any difference. Looks fine as is on the dipstick.


Return to “R51 Engine, Driveline and Powertrain”