The Nissan Path

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?

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.

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.

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

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