Oil Level

2002 Accord LX 2.3L 4 cylinder

Had oil change, and oil level is .5 inch over upper mark, after car
sitting for 1/2 hour or so.

Is this cause for concern? Should I have it drained slightly?

 

Obviously it's not right and might cause trouble later. Yes, have it
drained back or DIY.

Rgds, George Macdonald

"Just because they're paranoid doesn't mean you're not psychotic" - Who, me??

 

I've noticed that many service technicians at the DEALERS put in too much
oil...you'd think they would know how much to put in...

In fact, out of 5 dealers, only one put in the correct amount of oil EVER.

 

I know my 94 2.2 SOHC vTec F22B requires about 4.5 litters of oil with oil
filter change.

 

Half an inch over Max on a smaller engine like this is significant, IMO. I
would drain the excess ASAP.

Cheers,

Pete

 

To elaborate on what CAN happen if you don't fill properly: the
crankshaft will whip that excess oil into a sort of froth. If you've
ever tried sucking foam through a straw you know how well that works,
and that is the same thing your oil pump will be trying to do. Your
engine won't get lubricated, and that's A Bad Thing.

 

Obviously it's not right and might cause trouble later. Yes, have it

George,

Out of curiosity, what do you think is a best way to check the oil level?
I mean, the level on the stick will obviously vary depending if the engine
hot or cold, if it was sitting for several hourse or has just been stopped.

 

Not from George...

I don't think it really matters. That's why the dipstick has a range to it.
Not a problem, unless you are at the top of the range when it is cold or at
the bottom when hot.

 

and make sure your car isn't on a 10% grade

 

Yep!

That was my problem that led to this post...a very small grade tilted
slightly toward the drivers side. I put car in garage (level surface),
and the oil level is perfect!
Thanks to all reponders.

 

But I wonder exactly how much margin for error there is for
particular engines. If I knew I could safely run with an extra
quart, I might do it on the theory that it's good to have the
oil spend a little extra time in the pan cooling.

Andrew

 

I really don't see much difference hot or cold. If the oil is still hot,
there could be undrained oil left in the upper chambers of the engine.
Personally I check it cold because you always get the same reading and I
usually figure just slightly below the max mark on the dipstick.

Rgds, George Macdonald

"Just because they're paranoid doesn't mean you're not psychotic" - Who, me??