Overfilled with oil

[tjsignum]

Hi all

I bought a 57 plate signum 1.9 cdti 150 auto a couple of weeks ago. On a number of occasions, usually when coming to a standstill in traffic when on a run, particularly down the motorway, I have had fumes coming into the cabin through the air vents.

I called Vauxhall about the problem about a week ago and have it booked in for this Thursday.

However, when going down the motorway today I had the same problem, except this time when coming to a standstill smoke also poured out of the bonnet. I stopped on the hard shoulder, popped the bonnet and the smoke seemed to be coming from underneath the engine. It dissipated and I then carried on with my journey.

However, I have checked the oil level tonight and it is well over the max mark, I would say by about the same amount as the length from the min to max (about 1 1/2 inches). I know that the car's supposed to take 4.3 litres in total but I don't know what an extra 1.5 inches showing on the dipstick would be - half a litre or two litres?

The garage did an oil change when I picked the car up so it looks like they put way too much in. No doubt on Thursday they will drain some out and the problem will go away.

The question is, do you think it will have done any lasting damage that might not become apparent for 6 or 12 months? I've done 1000 miles since picking the car up so am worried about engine wear and it running like a dog in the months to come.

Any advice much appreciated, even if only to put my mind at rest!

Thanks
TJ

[Grimo72]

you are meant to get engine warm, then wait 5-10 mins before checking oil level as you will get a false reading

if you check straight away, level will be over 'max' level

but does not sound good mate, hope you get it sorted

[Duncan]

However, I have checked the oil level tonight and it is well over the max mark, I would say by about the same amount as the length from the min to max (about 1 1/2 inches). I know that the car's supposed to take 4.3 litres in total but I don't know what an extra 1.5 inches showing on the dipstick would be - half a litre or two litres?

Hell, that's quite a bit too much! From min-max is one litre so it's at least a litre overfilled - as long as you've checked it as above i.e. get warm then wait 5 mins before measuring.

First to do is obviosuly get that excess oil dropped out. As for whether it has done any damage, difficult to say. 1,000 miles is not a huge amount but all depends on your driving style etc. You'll just need to keep an eye on things such as any seals etc. weeping oil.

What I'd do is document it all with photos and as much as you can in writing so that if you do experience any problems in the future you've got a better case of claiming against them.

[tjsignum]

yes I waited about 10 mins after stopping before I checked the level.

If there are longer term problems, would they be obvious ie oil leaks or would they be more subtle eg poor performance, poor fuel economy, noisy engine etc

I don't want to get rid of it, beatiful motor (150cdti elite)

[Grimo72]

what were the fumes, ie oil, diesel smell?

[ed taylor]

If there is too much oil it can force it,s self past the piston rings. Hopefully it won,t damage the cat. But too much pressure in the engine as in crank case pressure might not be a good idea.

[tjsignum]

as to whether it's oil or diesel I'm not 100% sure (not being mechanically minded in any way) but I unscrewed the main oil cap (which had a small whisp of smoke coming out which presumably is normal) and it smelt the same as the other fumes to me.

If the pistons or catalytic convertor are damaged can I ask the Vx garage to check these out or is it just a case of wait and see?....

Cheers

[diesel dog]

This sort of thing has been known to blow oil seals just about everywhere! (both ends of crankshaft etc).

Get the oil out ASAP!

[Ste]

You may have also had some 'crank dip' - where the crank literally dips into the oil - or may just run close enough to produce 'windage'. This create aeration of the oil, and subsequent lack of lubrication, which may create wear in any moving surfaces.

[diesel dog]

Worse than that you can get 'runaway',where the engine starts to run at full revs on the excess oil in the sump and the only way to stop it (don't bother with the key it won't work) is to put it in gear and let out the clutch!