Does this mean I've put in too much oil?

Question

2003 Saturn L200

My oil was bone dry because of an issue I had with my car. Went and had that issue fixed and the repair shop said they put in a quart of oil. I checked it and it was just barely at the "minimum" level, so I decided to add oil. I added about 4 quarts, and now I can't tell whether I'm just barely at the maximum level or way over it.

My dipstick is clearly at least at the max, but then just beyond the max there's a faint wetness (presumably oil). this is clearly different than the notches on the dipstick where there is a thick layer of oil.

I know that if you put in too much oil you can have major problems. And please don't lecture me about putting in 4 quarts at a time. Yeah I know I'm a moron. :-)

Answer 1

YESSSSS!!!! :>

Answer 2

If the engine holds 4 quarts, it was At or Close to Min. Level (About 2 quarts) and you added 4. Engine is now Holding 6 quarts. Drain Oil, Replace Pan Plug Add 3 1/2 quarts, Run engine 15 Seconds, Turn engine off, Pull and wipe off Dipstick, Put it all the way back in & pull it out again, what is the Oil Level? Add Slowly till Dipstick Shows "Full"

Answer 3

yes! too much oil. usually when the oil level is at the minimum u only need bout 1/2 to a quart at the most. except some odd ball cars maybe a quart n a 1/2. from how much u say, ask one of ur guy friends to drain it for u. its usually around a 10 second drop for a quart. not too much at once. make sure too continuously check the dip stick. too much oil can back up into the air filtration system and leave u with a decent mess and the need for a new air filter.

Answer 4

First thing I'll say, if you check the dipstick and it is at or just barely at the minimum mark, only add (one) quart of oil, no more, if youre driving a care, most of them only require 4 quarts, no more. Add the one quart, then put the dipstick in again and pull ot out and check it, you should be at the full mark, or very close. then leave it alone from there or you could cause yourself some problems that could add up to some serious money being spent.

Answer 5

The best way to do this is to drain ALL the oil again. Then, look up how much oil to add in the owner's manual and add the correct amount of oil.

Although this may seem like an expensive option, it is worth it because even a little too much oil can be bad for the engine.

Never take your car to a repair shop for an oil change. I used to work at Jiffy Lube and you won't believe how many times I've seen a coworker mess up a simple oil change. You'll be amazed at how often they screw up. Just learn how to do it yourself. If you need help, send me an email and I'll be glad to help you out.

Answer 6

hmmmmmm - ok so now we know to only put one in at a time

AND if there is any showing ABOVE the "add 1" level
just put HALF a quart in

yep - too much can cause too much pressure in your engine

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Why did the repair shop not bring it up to the proper level?

I'm thinking THEY are the morons.....OR
you still have a problem - if they fixed it
- and it dropped that quickly

may need to be on the safe side and get an oil change now -
will bring it to the proper level - and $30 is better
than a blown engine !

all the best

Answer 7

generally from the minimum mark to the maximum mark is less than one quart.... varies on different car makes and models but usually not more than one quart... in your case i would definately drain the oil and start from scratch just to be safe... good luck with it

Answer 8

yes too much oil cars only hold 4 to 5 quarts depending on the car or truck you are driving.

Answer 9

It sounds like you are just a little over full. The best way to reduce the level by a couple pints is to change your oil filter. Since you have fresh clean oil in there, screw on a new, (empty) oil filter. When the new filter fills up, the crankcase will be down a bit.

Answer 10

Sounds like you're about 3 qts. over, drain down to proper level.