Added Too Much Engine Oil

[DSM]

I put in too much engine oil after a change. I didn't wait long enough for it to get to the pan. The level is just over 1/8" above the top mark. I'm wondering if this could be harmful to the engine?

 

[rdsaustintx]

1/8" isn't much, but overfilling oil can *definitely* blow crankcase seals.

RDnTexas

 

[ronjhall]

1/8" should not hurt. Did you change the filter at the same time? Have you run the engine yet? It may drop after you run the engine and the filter is full of oil.

 

[DSM]

Yes, I changed the filter. It was after running the engine to fill the filter that I added too much. I have heard of blowing seals due to too much oil but how does it happen? Is there too much splash?

 

[zeuspaul]

Too much oil used to be an issue due to splash causing foam which inhibits oil flow. New oils have anti foaming additives.

I wouldn't worry about 1/8 inch over.

Zeuspaul

 

[rdsaustintx]

Umm... Too much oil causes seal failure due to pumping effect of the pistons without enough air to absorb the impulse. Foaming ain't the problem.

Just pull the drain plug for a half-sec. Should be fine.

RDnT

 

[ksmmoto]

I have done the same with my L3430 several times. I just pull the drain plug for several seconds.

ksmmoto

 

[JJT]

Don't worry about an 1/8".

 

[DSM]

Thanks for the replies. I drained it down. I had considered pulling the plug, but was concerned about losing all the oil before getting it back in. It turned out to be easy. I had to open the plug a half dozen times before I got it right, and did it with the engine cold of course. The level was probably actually 3/16" high. But it amounted to less than a pint of oil in my BX-22. Probably not enough to increase pressure much or cause any other problems. Since the mower was now on, it would have been easier to do it right the first time! This site also helped during the oil change when I found the new oil filter was a different color and part number. A quick search here revealed I got the preferred Japanese produced part. I had checked with the parts guy at the dealer, but needed to confirm his explanation. He said the old one was the replacement part, but he had supplied OEM one. Also that the replacement was usually cheaper, but in this case was a couple dollars more. Pretty much in line with what I learned from my search.

 

[automech]

That happens to me once in a while at work, on customers' cars. I always drain it out to the proper level. Over filling can cause damage, so the car leaves with the oil level right so I don't end up looking like I damaged the motor if it has a problem later. The over filling has to be pretty high before the oil starts getting aerated, but why take a chance? If its worth doing, it's worth doing right, especially on your own equipment.