The myth of putting too much oil

Wow. That's a lot of excess oil. The tech who didn't read the
spec should be required to smear it all over his body.
.
_H*

 

I hope they refunded you for the extra liter you were charged for and didn't need.

 

Quote: Being Canadians, they didn't even put up a fight...


Thats funny.Thank you.

 

Myth? Over filling ANY engine with oil is a big no-no. Frothing can lead to all kinds of problems. Anyone that says over filling isn't an issue, isn't informed.

 

I bet it's nicer living with Canadians who don't put up a fight, so don't fight the Canadian infusion. Canadians sound like nice people.

 

the same thing happned to me the first month. I had about 1600 miles. And thought I should toss the dino out for some mobil-1 syn. Went and picked up the usual 5 quart. I was pressed for time so i didn't do it myself, and just took it to a jiffy lube. I specfically told the tech 4 quarts. Later that night pulled the dip stick and it was probably 2 inchs or more above full! i freaked out and didnt drive it for a day or so. Anyway i did it myself and put the proper amount in. The small miles i drove probably had no affect, but still, these guys are paid to work on cars, fix things...sigh

On my older car i would change the oil out all the time, but with prius i've just been doing the dealer route. A good bit of advice is go buy your own quarts. you can do the case, or 5-quart jugs for 20 bucks at walmart, and it's synthetic. pour out about a quart into either an empty quart bottle, or a pan, whatever- bring that to them and no need to worry! they can't over fill then.

 

Always, always, always check the oil level yourself before driving away from an oil change. This can find and prevent some gruesome errors and expensive repairs.

BTW, 3 US quarts of oil is plenty at an oil change. This leaves the level halfway between the ADD and FULL marks on the dipstick. If you provide the oil it also saves money, prevents overfills, and does not result in a partial bottle of leftover oil.

 

Can anyone post a link to the Oil Overfill TSB. I had it once but now I cannot find it.

 

Which dealership was this? I want to make sure I never go there for an oil change...

 

5 qts?! yes, that is too much. the 1/16" over the mark that people here are always complaining about isn't 5 qts. you were right to make them take care of that.

 

Holy dipstick, dip sh*#s, Batman.
Yes, Robin, seems another careless knuckle head has some how managed to infiltrate this Toyota dealership!

How stupid can you get? Some dealership, who filled the oil? The guy who sweeps up and washes cars?
Dammed right they didn't put up a fight, it's one heck of a lot cheaper to change your oil than your engine!

They look at me strange when I get my car's back from having them serviced at dealerships. Before I pay I go over the car and check the fluid levels and the car over all.

 

4 quarts is the specified amount, as it will leave the level right below the highest mark on the dipstick. Any less and you risk not having enough oil to cover the working parts in the ICE.

Cheers,

Michou

 

The last thing you want to do is cover the working parts in the ICE.

I have seen older engines that consume oil come in for service with only about a litre and a half or less of oil in the sump with no ill affects. As long as the pump can pick it up it's OK however, I am not advocating anyone only put a litre and a half of oil in their car at oil change. As long as the oil level is above the low mark on your dipstick, you will be fine.

If there is so much oil in the engine that the crankshaft contacts the oil it is like putting a whisk in the oil, it will bash fine air bubbles into the oil turning it into a mousse which allows the air bubbles into the oil pump, it also reduces heat loss from the sump and is self worsening. The more air in the oil the higher the level, the more the oil is beaten by the crank the more air goes into the oil etc.

Like a chocolate mousse once the air is in the oil it is very slow to rise out so don't over fill the sump. I use about 3.5 litres for an oil change in my Prius, the Camry took 3.5 litres and the RAV4 takes 4 litres. My old Crown holds 5 litres.

 

best line of defense is to buy your own syn/dino oil and just bring it to wherever you get your oil done. I brought in 4 quart's to our local vegas dealer and they did a fine job. They left a bottle in my car with 1/8 of oil left. So it's safe to assume the car had 3.8~ or so it. It's just right at the full line.

I dont think 4 quarts even is a problem, especially on a new engine, could help with break in. After 10,000 miles though I would be sure to put slightly less then 4 quart.