A question about oil level.

[Houston]

My dealer did an oil change on the Vibe today. I checked it right there after the change and it checked out right on. After it had been setting here in my garage for a couple hours I notice it's one-quarter of an inch over the full mark. Will this damage the engine? Should I go to the bother and spend the time to take it back and have some removed?Thanks.

[NibCrom]

You could potentially damage the engine with too much oil in it. It's better to be a little low than a little high, although I don't know how high it needs to be to damage it.Personally, I would drain a little out.

[Herb]

I probably wouldn't worry about it if it's a 1/4" over. If it were more then sure, drain some out.I believe the concern about too much oil is that the crank might start to whip the oil into a foam if it's submerged with oil.

[engineertwin2]

Quote, originally posted by Herb »I probably wouldn't worry about it if it's a 1/4" over. If it were more then sure, drain some out.I believe the concern about too much oil is that the crank might start to whip the oil into a foam if it's submerged with oil.This is correct. Foaming causes rapid oil deterioration and can cause significant problems with the seals on the main bearings. If this happens and you have a manual transmission (I don't see any info on that), you may get a lubricated clutch. Since the manual trannies work on friction, this would be a bad thing...You can pull the plug and drain a little, or (my method of choice) just use a siphon pump to pull a little bit out.

[Raven]

Personally, I would leave it. 1/4 inch is maybe half a quart overfilled. It's not enough to do any damage. I've run engines many times with them a little over.

[djb383]

NibCrom couldn't have said it better. I'd sleep better at knight knowing the level was at or slightly below the 'overfull' mark, wouldn't you. Technically, anywhere between the two marks is considered as the correct oil level and outside of those two marks is incorrect. Set the oil level between those two marks and you'll sleep better......I promise you.

[Houston]

I have an automatic. The guy said he put in 4.1 quarts, although I think the Owner's Manual calls for 3.9. But it at first checked out okay, so I let it go. After reading what you all say, I think I'll let it be.Thanks!

[chris777]

take it back to the dealer, and have them do it, at no charge. they should know better.

[djb383]

+1.........it'll only take them a minute or two to drain a little.

[Houston]

I took at back to the dealer. Like you said, it only took a minute or two.