4 quart overfill

Fred77 · Jun 10, 2011

I had a problem with an oil change last week. The day after the oil change, I noticed an oil leak under the engine. I checked the dipstick and the oil was way over the limit. It was a Sunday, and I didn't want to take time off the next day to take it back to the dealer. I decided to drain some oil.
Second problem - when I put the socket to the drain plug to check if it was the right size, I discovered the drain plug was loose to the touch, explaining the oil on the floor. I drained oil and checked the dipstick, until finally I had to drain 4 quarts to bring it to the correct level.
It looks like they did not drain any oil, and probably did not remove the filter, then added 4 quarts.
I drove 40 miles on this before discovering the overfill. I know the damage that can be done to the engine, would you say that driving 40 or 50 miles is enough to cause damage?

Thanks -

brandini · Jun 10, 2011

You'd definitely know if there was damage

Quattro Pete · Jun 10, 2011

Oil may have gotten into the exhaust and poisoned your cat. You'll know next time you go in for emissions testing and fail. Also, if you have pre-cat oxygen sensors, they may get fouled up and eventually throw error codes.

Let me guess... Jiffy Lube?

Also, make sure you still have transmission fluid. I've heard of cases when the grease monkeys drained the transmission fluid thinking it was engine oil. Then proceeded to add fresh oil to the engine, resulting in 2x the amount of oil in the engine and no oil in the trans. Total amount of oil was still more or less correct, just in the wrong places.

Lead Shoes · Jun 10, 2011

Oh lord, all the more reason I either change my own oil or take it to my local dealership where I know the mechanics and watch them work..

There is probably no engine damage, you would know by 50 miles if it was damaged, but your emission system will not be happy with you..

chubbs1 · Jun 10, 2011

Too bad you have no proof. Only 50 miles you are OK. If it has done damage at least you had it done at the dealer in case of a claim. Call them up, or better go there and have them make a written note in your maintenance history if possible.

cmf · Jun 10, 2011

Originally Posted By: Brenden
Oh lord, all the more reason I either change my own oil or take it to my local dealership where I know the mechanics and watch them work..

Watching them is definitely the most important part, because anyone can make mistakes.

HTSS_TR · Jun 10, 2011

Next time check the oil level before leaving their parking lot.

Quattro Pete · Jun 10, 2011

Originally Posted By: cmf
Watching them is definitely the most important part, because anyone can make mistakes.

And you'd figure they'd catch their own mistake if they bothered to check the oil level afterward.

santov · Jun 10, 2011

I met a girl who worked for JiffyLube. She said their computer code for a customer who didn't want to pay for flushes, treatments, etc. was NM for "No Mooch". NM jobs got only a filter changed, or sometimes too much/not enough oil.

Scary thing was she said it was a common practice the three different branches she worked at.

river_rat · Jun 10, 2011

He said it was the dealer.

...No Mooch...that's funny. I guess I was a no mooch code way back when I used to use JL.
I should take my '69 VW van up there and see if they try to sell me a PCV valve and an air filter element. (it has no PCV and an oil bath air cleaner)

doitmyself · Jun 10, 2011

I'm with chubbs1 on this one. TWO big mistakes were made. First, by the dealer, and second by the OP. You should have had the car towed to the dealer (at their expense) and had them fix the problem and document it. As it stands, you have nothing to stand on if your engine tanks.

Sorry that you got screwed by them.

Silk · Jun 10, 2011

Originally Posted By: Fred77
4 quarts

Cracks me up when I see you guys say this.

The motor guy · Jun 10, 2011

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Oil may have gotten into the exhaust and poisoned your cat. You'll know next time you go in for emissions testing and fail. Also, if you have pre-cat oxygen sensors, they may get fouled up and eventually throw error codes.

Let me guess... Jiffy Lube?

Also, make sure you still have transmission fluid. I've heard of cases when the grease monkeys drained the transmission fluid thinking it was engine oil. Then proceeded to add fresh oil to the engine, resulting in 2x the amount of oil in the engine and no oil in the trans. Total amount of oil was still more or less correct, just in the wrong places.

Thanks to this they usually don't even put drain plugs on the transmissions anymore since they pull the wrong plug thinking its engine oil.

JoeWGauss · Jun 11, 2011

I can't say it enough.

ALWAYS CHECK YOUR VEHICLE ON THE LOT OF THE PLACE SERVICING IT BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE PREMISES!

You lose your legal rights to sue to a large degree if you drive off the lot and THEN discover a problem .

If you discover an issue make sure they put it in writing on their internal work order and give you a copy signed and dated by the service writer or advisor.

Quattro Pete · Jun 12, 2011

Originally Posted By: motor_oil_madman
Thanks to this they usually don't even put drain plugs on the transmissions anymore since they pull the wrong plug thinking its engine oil.

Every trans still needs to have a drain plug. But often times it requires a more specialized/atypical wrench to unscrew to make you think twice.

Al · Jun 12, 2011

Originally Posted By: motor_oil_madman

Thanks to this they usually don't even put drain plugs on the transmissions anymore since they pull the wrong plug thinking its engine oil. [/quote]
I would guess most japanese cars have drain plugs on auto transmission. Nissan and subaru for sure.

poiuy223 · Jul 22, 2011

Didn't want to create a new thread on a similar issue so I just did a search..

My oil is a little over the F line. It looks at most 1/2 qt. Would this cause issues? So far my car feels fine.

Bad_Robot · Jul 22, 2011

Originally Posted By: Fred77
I discovered the drain plug was loose to the touch, explaining the oil on the floor. I drained oil and checked the dipstick, until finally I had to drain 4 quarts to bring it to the correct level.
It looks like they did not drain any oil, and probably did not remove the filter, then added 4 quarts.

The guy who was supposed to drain the oil loosened the drain bolt and left for his cigarette break? The other guy didn't know and topped off with 4 quarts? You are lucky there wasn't a third "tech" involved. Too many cooks spoil the broth.

morris · Jul 22, 2011

one time my dad had a engine that had a lot of ware. he went to change the oil just as he pulled the drain plug mom said "time for lunch" he went in had lunch. put drain plug in, filter, oil. when he started it , the oil pressure would not come up. he tryed a 1/2 hp drill motor, but not enough rpm. then a 3/8 drill 3800 rpm, that worked

hate2work · Jul 22, 2011

Originally Posted By: poiuy223
Didn't want to create a new thread on a similar issue so I just did a search..

My oil is a little over the F line. It looks at most 1/2 qt. Would this cause issues? So far my car feels fine.

A little over the full mark is OK, you'll be fine.

4 quart overfill

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