Oil Overfilled At Service

[Guest james120479]

Hello, just a quick query really. Recently bought a Ford Focus (X-reg) and four weeks ago i put it in for it's service (Ford dealer) I didn't think to check the oil straight away - checked it this weekend and found it to be WAY over the max mark. I've already contacted the dealer and they have agreed to change the oil again this time filling it to the correct level.

 

My question was, is this likely to have done any damage? There's no obvious difference in performance / use but doing a quick search on the web shows that oil should never be filled above the 'max' mark as this can cause damage

[Andrew T]

On the Galaxy there is a warning on the slam panel that overfilling the oil can cause damage to the Catalyst.

So if they've agreed they are at fault, tell them to be good boys and fit a new Cat' as well........

[seatkid]

Is unlikely to damage anything if :

 

1) It wasnt dramatically overfilled - i.e more than 1.5cm over the top max mark

 

and

 

2) You were aware of it and drove carefully (e.g. NOT violent acceleration or steering manouvers)

 

The main issue is if the oil finds its way in quantity into the cataylic convertor where it can cause damage in some cases. For peace of mind, ask them to conduct an emissions test after the "oil change" (bet they just drain a bit....) to establish the cat is still working.

[Guest james120479]

I'm starting to worry a bit now, as it is easily overfilled more than 1.5cm above max, if not over twice that :lol:

 

I wouldn't say i've been driving it excessivley but i have been driving it for 4 weeks unaware - i only checked the oil yesterday :lol:

[anadin]

very unusual to overfill, but i'm not doubting you, you are checking it from a cold engine on a flat surface ?, only i had a customer once checking it on a slope, anyhow as (sk )says they have extraction pumps, just ask them to check any components , and you'll want a print out

[Guest james120479]

Yeah, i checked it several times yesterday - even got a mate to check it as i couldn't believe it was right. Checked it again just now after leaving work, stood all day long on a totally flat surface and it must be nearly 4cm above max! I'm driving really carefully now.

 

It's booked in tomorrow, what components should i specify them to check apart from the CAT?

[mumof4]

Wow..i overfilled mine and had to errr...suck some out!!.Was lucky that i did no damage and it had only been a couple of days i think

[Guest gooner52]

had this happen on a old sierra

 

had loads of smoke commin out,chuggin down the road

 

as seat says,if it was not overfilled 2 much should be ok

[NikpV]

very unusual to overfill,

 

 

very common on galaxies - see many previous threads, formula sd oil comes in 5 litre containers only need 4.5l - if they cut corners and not change the oil filter can end up another litre overfilled - I always check before leaving the garage and they give me the container with the other 0.5l for top ups between services

[anadin]

very unusual to overfill,

 

 

very common on galaxies - see many previous threads, formula sd oil comes in 5 litre containers only need 4.5l - if they cut corners and not change the oil filter can end up another litre overfilled - I always check before leaving the garage and they give me the container with the other 0.5l for top ups between services

 

guess so :blink: i was always taught to put half then settle then top up as req, but always recheck 10 mins later before refitting cap, i guess it all rush rush rush now

[NikpV]

i guess it all rush rush rush now

 

you'd think they could find something else to be getting on with while waiting for the oil to settle down

[anadin]

i guess it all rush rush rush now

 

you'd think they could find something else to be getting on with while waiting for the oil to settle down

 

years back you were paid by the hour so you took your time ;) now i thing they are paid by the job, oil & filter ? bout 10 minutes if you chuck it in eh

[Guest james120479]

Thanks for all your advice... it's now back from the garage - they reckoned it was only just over full and it looked more cos it's a tight dipstick or something?! Anyway checked it at the garage and it was just under, gonna have another check when i get out of work when it should have settled properly just to make sure, hopefully no permanent damage was done

 

Thanks again ;)

[gregers]

TIGHT DIPSTICK how can it look more, the indentations are there as a guide for how much oil is in the engine,so if its above the max mark then theres to much oil in it PERIOD

 

TIGHT DIPSTICK WOT A CROCK OF SHITE ;) i have never ever heard that one b4 :D

[NikpV]

TIGHT DIPSTICK how can it look more, the indentations are there as a guide for how much oil is in the engine,so if its above the max mark then theres to much oil in it PERIOD

 

TIGHT DIPSTICK WOT A CROCK OF SHITE ;) i have never ever heard that one b4 :D

 

 

true - simple physics - whatever the shape /size of the hole the oil will be at the same level provided 1) its not such a tight fit that capillary action occurs, and 2) pressure inside is at atmospheric - assume breathers handle this.