The consequences of overflowing oil into the engine are the reasons for the increased level, possible consequences and remedies. What happens if you pour oil into the engine: the consequences Poured oil into the engine what to do

Every driver knows that it is forbidden to drive a car where the oil level has dropped below the "minimum" mark. This can lead to accelerated wear of the motor or even damage to it. The result can be costly overhauls. But far from every car owner knows how dangerous the direct overflow of oil into the engine is.

The amount of oil used is precisely calculated so that when the crankshaft is operating, the counterweights do not dip into the oil itself. High rotational speed can simply lead to foaming, which will have the most unpredictable consequences for the car. In addition, overflow can actually lead to a number of problems:

  • An increase in the amount of carbon deposits on the walls of the pistons and the combustion chamber.
  • Accelerated pollution of the muffler, which will lead to an early need for replacement.
  • An increase in the amount of exhaust gases and an increase in their toxicity.
  • Significant overconsumption of oil.
  • Failure of oil seals or spark plugs.
  • Possible breakdown of the oil pump due to increased loads.

In order not to eliminate all these consequences of oil overflow into the engine, it is recommended not to drive the car when a similar situation is detected.

Signs of oil overflow

The surest way is to check the level with a dipstick before driving. The machine must first cool down for 15-20 minutes so that all the liquid flows from the walls. If the liquid level is between the MAX and MIN marks, you can safely go on a trip. Many foreign cars have electronic control systems, but you should not rely on them entirely.

Overflow can be indicated by the behavior of the car, in particular, excessive consumption of fuel. Too much grease will result in increased resistance to moving cylinders. The car responds worse to the accelerator pedal (at low revs), so the driver puts additional effort on the accelerator to accelerate, which causes excessive consumption.

Breakdowns such as flooding spark plugs or failure of the oil seal will also help to visually determine the presence of an overflow. If this happens, be sure to check the oil level in the system. The formation of leaks can also indicate a large amount of flooded working fluid.

It is worth noting that damage to the cylinder head can lead to the fact that fluids from other systems, for example, cooling systems, enter the oil line. As a result, the oil will mix with the antifreeze and the driver will observe the level above the MAX mark. If you have not carried out the overflow, but observe a similar situation, a full-fledged vehicle diagnostics is necessary.

Countermeasures

Now that you have learned what will happen if you pour oil into the engine above the level, we can talk about how to fix this problem. There are several options. Each of them can be carried out by the driver in his garage. If you find an overflow after work in a service center, be sure to point this out to auto mechanics so that they can make an adjustment.

If the oil is fresh and you spot the problem quickly, then the simplest method is to remove the excess through the crankcase. You should first prepare a container for drained oil. It will be more convenient to carry out the procedure on a lift or using a pit. Follow these steps:

  1. If the car is only after driving, let the engine cool down for 15-20 minutes.
  2. On some machines, the engine (crankcase) guard must be removed to access the drain hole.
  3. Place a container under the drain hole, and then unscrew the lid (a wrench may be needed).
  4. Drain off the required amount of engine oil. Some drivers recommend draining the fluid completely.
  5. Screw on the drain plug.
  6. If you have removed all the oil from the system, fill it in the required amount, and then check the level with the dipstick.

If the car has already covered more than 6-7 thousand kilometers with overflow, then you will need to buy new oil and make a complete replacement. Be careful when opening the drain plug, as oil may get on your eyes or clothing.

For those who simply do not want to dig under the car, there is an alternative option. Its essence is to remove excess oil through the filler hole. To do this, you will need a container, as well as an additional rubber hose, pump or syringe. To restore the correct fluid level, you need to do the following:

  1. Open the hood of the car. Find the oil filler cap. Unscrew it.
  2. Insert the hose into the hole.
  3. Attach a pump or syringe to the other end of it, and then pump out a small amount of oil. Drain it into a prepared container.
  4. Check the oil level and repeat pumping if necessary.

The method is not very quick, but you do not have to look for a lift, remove the protection and mount it all back after flushing. You can always resort to the help of a professional service station. For a nominal fee, mechanics will quickly and easily pump out excess oil.

If you have poured oil by only 200-300 milliliters, you can unscrew the oil filter, drain the working fluid from it, and then put it back in place. This will help normalize the level.

Many drivers advise not to pay attention to the overflow, justifying this by the fact that the excess will go through the engine crankcase. For old cars, this may actually be the case, but on new foreign cars, the oil level will regularly keep at a given level until you take any action.

conclusions

Now you know the dangers of overflowing oil and what are the consequences of such actions. Before you independently replace the working fluid, be sure to find out in the technical description of the car how much volume you need to pour for your motor. Pour liquid in small batches, while checking the level with a dipstick to make sure you are doing the right thing.

Do not forget to familiarize yourself with what kind of oil you need for your foreign car. Using the wrong product, even in the correct quantities, can lead directly to accelerated wear of parts, problems in the operation of the motor, and even breakdowns. The cost of buying a new oil is not commensurate with the price of an engine overhaul.

September 27, 2017

The vast majority of motorists are well aware of the effects of oil starvation on powertrain parts. But what if the engine oil level is too high? Judging by the lively discussion of the problem in various automotive forums, such a situation is not at all uncommon. To answer this question, you should refer to the long-term practice of drivers who independently serve "iron horses" in their garage.

How does an increased lubrication level occur?

There are several reasons why the amount of oil in the crankcase of the power unit exceeds the norm:

  1. Banal overflow in the process of replacement. Such mistakes are made by unscrupulous service station personnel and careless car owners.
  2. Malfunctions in the fuel supply system, emergency operation.
  3. In old car models, there are problems with a mechanical gas pump.

The first situation is clear - as a result of haste or carelessness, lubricant is poured into the engine above the MAX mark, then the car engine is operated in this state. The second case is more complicated: the level in the crankcase gradually rises as a result of the addition of unburned fuel. The process looks like this:

  1. The lambda probe or other sensor fails, the electronic control unit goes into emergency mode and greatly enriches the air-fuel mixture.
  2. Getting into the cylinders, a large amount of fuel does not burn completely and part of the gasoline flows down the walls into the crankcase. The owner of the car does not pay attention and drives on.
  3. After 4–6 thousand km of run, the amount of grease in the pallet is added, the candles fail, the car smokes and does not pull.

Note. Old unusable spark plugs contribute to the dilution of the oil with fuel, giving a flash every other time. The portions of gasoline not burnt in the chamber increase.

Experienced drivers are well aware of the problem with a hidden malfunction of a mechanical fuel pump found on old cars, for example, VAZ 2101–07 "Classic". The rupture of the lower membrane of the unit is invisible from the outside and the pump continues to work, but part of the fuel is pumped directly into the crankcase through the hole in the drive mechanism. The result is the same - an increased level, and the engine literally "suffocates" from re-enrichment with gasoline vapor through the crankcase ventilation channel.

About the consequences of overflow

Engineers - car designers knowingly came up with 2 marks on the dipstick - MIN and MAX. If the upper limit did not matter, then the manufacturer would not put the second risk. If you pour motor lubricant in excess of the norm, then sooner or later the following consequences will come:

  • a one-time excess of the level up to 5 mm above the upper risk is not critical, but at the next change, the oil must be filled in according to the operating instructions;
  • constant overflow by the same amount reduces the resource of the main oil seals, especially in winter, when the lubricant thickens;
  • when pouring 1 cm or more above the maximum mark, there is a risk of extrusion of the crankshaft oil seals;
  • if the amount of grease to be poured is one third more than the norm, then it protrudes from under all gaskets, including the valve cover and the upper oil plug.

Since Soviet times, there have been cases when novice drivers poured oil twice the level. Having mixed up the drain plugs, they emptied the gearbox, and the crankcase was supplemented with a second portion.

Adherents of topping up "in reserve" argue their position as follows: the oil pump is designed for a certain capacity, which cannot be exceeded. This means that the extrusion of the gaskets is a myth, and the excess lubricant will still burn out.

In reality, performance and pressure are two different things.... Any experienced driver who has serviced cars with an oil pressure indicator instead of a light on the dashboard knows that the more lubricant in the crankcase, the higher the pressure is shown on the pressure gauge. Hence the extruded oil seals.

If the high lubrication level is caused by the addition of fuel, the consequences are:

  • the material liquefies and loses its lubricating properties;
  • due to heating, gasoline evaporates and enters through the crankcase ventilation pipe into the carburetor or the throttle valve of the injector together with air, the engine "suffocates";
  • the fuel washes off the oil film from the cylinder walls.

Although the situation with thinning motor lubricant is quite rare, it is best to avoid it. Monitor the performance of the spark plugs, oxygen sensors and mass air flow sensor, and on old cars, regularly check the carburetor and mechanical fuel pump.

What to do with excess oil?

As mentioned in the previous section, a one-time overflow 3–5 mm higher than the MAX risk will not lead to catastrophic consequences. In other cases, the excess oil must be drained in one of the following ways:

  • through the plug in the oil pan;
  • empty the oil filter;
  • suck through the hole where the probe is inserted.

There is a simple paid method: visit a car service with specialized equipment. There, the excess lubricant is quickly pumped out using a pump.

It is normal to drain some of the oil through the plug - it is unrealistic. Trying to block the jet from the hole, spray half the garage and splash yourself. The method is applied as follows:

  1. Take a clean, wide container, unscrew the crankcase cover and drain the grease from the cold engine. When the spray turns into drops, screw the cap back on.
  2. Separate excess oil. If you have no idea how to calculate it, pour 1 liter.
  3. Refill the crankcase with the remaining material, wait 10 minutes and measure the level. Add grease in small increments as needed.

Reference. Practical observations show that in passenger cars with an engine volume of up to 2 thousand cm 3, about 1 liter of oil is placed between the MIN and MAX marks on the dipstick. From here, you can calculate the excess that needs to be removed from the motor.

The second method will take less time and labor. The technology is as follows: spread a rag on the bottom of the engine compartment, turn out the oil filter, empty it and screw it back in place, not forgetting to lubricate the rubber ring. If the drained volume is not enough, run the engine for 1-2 minutes (to fill the filter) and repeat the operation. Sometimes a difficulty arises: the filter element does not want to unscrew, it is necessary to look for a puller.

Suction of excess grease is done as follows:

  1. Buy a 20 ml (or larger) disposable syringe and dropper from your local pharmacy.
  2. Cut off the tube from the dropper and put it on the syringe nozzle.
  3. Warm up the engine to a temperature of 30–40 ° C in order to thin the grease and not burn yourself during operation.
  4. Remove the dipstick, insert a tube into the hole and push it to the bottom of the crankcase. Draw in the oil, disconnect the syringe and empty. Repeat the operation and read the evacuated volume.

The latter method requires painstaking work, but you will not pour grease on the cylinder block. You can control the level immediately, without waiting for the oil to drain into the sump.

When the engine lubricant level has risen due to the addition of gasoline, there is only one option: complete replacement... If you are not sure of the diagnosis, check for fuel vapor as follows: warm up the engine and at idle, remove the crankcase exhaust pipe. If the engine runs smoothly, be sure to change the oil. Before filling in a new lubricant, it is advisable to rinse the power unit with a special compound in order to remove fuel residues as much as possible. Also, do not forget to eliminate the reason why fuel has entered the engine oil compartment.

Engine oil is an indispensable element in the normal operation of the engine. It reduces wear on parts and keeps the engine in good condition. However, you need to know how to use this material correctly. Let's take a closer look at what happens if you pour oil into a car's internal combustion engine.

The design of the engine provides for constant friction of various elements against each other. Without oil, this would lead to extremely high heating of the unit and rapid failure. Therefore, each engine needs a certain amount of oil lubrication, which the driver needs to constantly monitor.

What are the consequences of excessive oil filling in the engine:

  • Oil, like any liquid, increases in volume when heated. When overflowing, this leads to the squeezing of oil seals, gaskets and seals from their places. As a result, these elements are deformed and burst, the tightness is broken, the pressure decreases. As a result, the engine loses performance and wears out faster.
  • If the pressure in the engine reaches a critical level, the candles will fill up, and this is: loss of power, poor engine starting and increased fuel consumption.
  • With a large amount of oil, the crankshaft actually floats in it, and its counterweights whip the liquid to a frothy state during operation. As a result, air bubbles disrupt the operation of the hydraulic lifters, increasing the shock loads on the gas distribution unit.
  • At high oil levels, oily carbon deposits form not only on the pistons, but also on other engine components.
  • Overflowing oil increases the contamination of the oil filter.
  • Excess oil enters the exhaust system, the catalyst becomes dirty.

Worst of all, oil overflow affects older engines that have “reeled up” significant mileage. Firstly, such units are already worn out for natural reasons, and secondly, they have “weak points” (pollution, elements under high load, slight out-of-sync, etc.).

Why does oil overflow

Overflow is usually the result of poor draining of used oil during replacement. In most cases, this problem occurs due to poor engine warming up before draining the spent fluid and refusal to use a vacuum suction. As a result, up to half a liter of old grease remains in the engine system, which no longer meets operational requirements. After that, new fluid is poured into the engine in the amount recommended by the car manufacturer.

In addition, it is not uncommon for drivers to deliberately add too much engine oil. This desire arises from the assumption that a lot of oil means easy engine operation and minimal wear (after all, when there is not enough oil, it is bad). ...

In some cases, the oil level rises due to the ingress of other technical fluids into it. This can happen due to cracks in the BC and cylinder head, burnout or breakdown of the cylinder head gasket, wear of the piston rings, etc.

How to identify oil overflow

Most vehicles offer a very simple oil level detection system. On the oil dipstick, which is inserted into the engine, there are max and min marks. They indicate respectively the maximum and minimum quantities of lubricant inside the unit. If the car does not have such a dipstick, information about the current oil level is displayed on the dashboard. The readings are considered by the sensor and transmitted to the electronic control unit.

There are also cars that lack both the dipstick and the information strip on the dashboard. In this case, a special indicator is used for information, which lights up when refilling is necessary (unfortunately, such a system does not show overflow).

An overflow can be indicated by an increase in fuel consumption. This is because excess lubrication increases the resistance of the piston rings and pistons in the cylinders, the crankshaft turns harder and transfers less torque to the wheels. At this time, the driver should notice that the car accelerates poorly, and the engine is already responding to the gas pedal, especially at low revs.

What to do if you pour oil into the engine at the next maintenance. Every motorist can face such a situation. The operation of the rubbing parts and the degree of heat removal from them depend on the oil level in the engine lubrication system. To do this, it is periodically necessary to check this value and add lubricant to the system at the level recommended by the manufacturer.

Conditions and procedure for checking the oil level

To check the oil level in the lubrication system, the prerequisites must be met. They are as follows:

  1. The vehicle must be parked on a level surface.
  2. Let the engine cool down.
  3. A standard probe must be used for measurement.

There are two notches on the dipstick that show the highest and lowest permissible fill levels. Checking the lubricant level is simple and involves several steps:

  1. The oil dipstick must be removed from the hole and wiped with a rag.
  2. Insert the dipstick all the way into the hole.
  3. Remove the dipstick from the hole and look at the oil mark. It should be between the notches, just below the top mark.
  4. If there is an oil mark below the minimum notch, it is necessary to add oil to the system.
  5. If there is an oil mark above the maximum notch, the excess oil must be drained from the system.

Modern vehicles are largely equipped with on-board computers that indicate the availability and consumption of lubricant. It is not always possible to rely on the reliability of the instruments. It is recommended that you sometimes check the engine oil level yourself.

Why are oils more than normal

There are several reasons why it is possible to pour oil into the engine lubrication system. This can happen as a result of technical features of the lubrication system or personal carelessness of the driver. The main reasons are:

  1. The presence of another working fluid in the oil. Volume may increase if coolant enters the lubrication system through the filler neck or dipstick hole. Another way for liquid to enter the lubrication system can be a punctured gasket under the cylinder head.
  2. Incorrect oil change in the lubrication system. When you change the oil yourself and drain it, 0.2 to 0.3 liters of oil remains in the lubrication system. Its volume depends on the design features of the vehicle. Filling with new oil can be carried out in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer, without taking into account the oil that remains in the machine after draining the old one.
  3. Not taken into account. When heated, the oil expands in volume. The oil mark on the dipstick should be between the top and bottom notches. Filling the lubrication system to its highest mark may cause the oil level to rise after thermal expansion.
  4. Violated. It occurs as a result of the formation of coke after carbon deposits or the ingress of debris into the crankcase.
  5. Clogged valve. It is necessary to separate the crankcase from the atmosphere. If the valve becomes clogged, it creates a dangerous pressure level and increases the volume of lubricant. It is necessary to clean the ventilation system from dirt.

Signs of overflow

It is possible to determine that the amount of lubricant in a car is high enough by several signs. These include:

  1. The start of the power plant is difficult. The resistance to rotation of the crankshaft will create an excess of oil liquid poured into the crankcase. As a result of resistance, the number of revolutions is reduced.
  2. Leakage of oil liquid. After starting the power plant, it can overflow from the filler neck, through the sealing elements or docking joints of the engine body.
  3. Presence of thick white smoke from the exhaust pipe. This can happen if the seal is broken due to pressure in the oil system and the ingress of coolant into the lubrication system.

When these signs appear, it is necessary to take measures to eliminate them. In order to prevent a decrease in the performance of the machine, it is necessary to know what threatens a significant overflow of oil into the engine.

Overflow consequences


Pouring oil into the engine entails consequences that can affect the performance of the equipment. These include:

  1. The formation of deposits in the cylinders of the internal combustion engine as a result of the combustion of a large amount of oil. Carbon deposits on the internal parts negatively affect the hollow piston of the motor, reducing its performance and service life.
  2. Increase in grease consumption and temperature. An excess amount of oil leads to the fact that the crankshaft foams it, as a result of which the temperature of the oil liquid and the consumption increase.
  3. Increased fuel consumption. The reason for the high fuel consumption lies in the difficult starting of the power plant, especially when a diesel unit is installed. The driver senses that the engine is losing power and depress the fuel pedal. As a result of this operation, fuel consumption increases.
  4. Additional load on the oil pump and filter. With an excess of lubricant, the pressure in the oil system increases and the load on all components of the system increases. Operation in high pressure mode can lead to premature failure of the pump. Accordingly, to significant financial costs for their restoration.
  5. Air suction into hydraulic compensators. Excess oil will foam on the crankshaft, resulting in reduced lubrication uniformity. This will entail airing of the hydraulic expansion joints and an increase in the load on them and on the gas distribution mechanism.
  6. Carbon deposits on spark plugs. With an excess of oil and high pressure, a significant layer of carbon deposits forms on the spark plugs. As a result, the performance of the spark plugs is reduced, the injector produces impulse fuel emissions and the plugs are filled. When filling the spark plugs, diesel or gasoline will go along with the oil film through the piston rings into the lubrication system.
  7. Clogged muffler. The increased volume of combustion elements is deposited in the muffler. This is dangerous because the power plant loses power. The life of the muffler is reduced.
  8. Increase in the amount of exhaust gases and their toxicity. In the presence of excess lubricant, its combustion volume increases. As a result, the amount of exhaust gases increases and their quality deteriorates. The release of toxic substances into the environment is increasing. It is less dangerous in the summer and unsafe in the winter, especially in the garage.
  9. Failure of their sealing elements. With an excess of lubricant, it quickly heats up more than normal and excessive pressure is created in the engine. As a result, oil seals and gaskets can deform and fail. The consequence will be a drop in the power of the power plant and the leakage of lubrication.

Oil leakage through seals can be detected by smell. The grease will burn on the hot body of the power plant and the interior may smell of combustion elements.

The maximum volume of oil should not exceed the filling level. The driver of the vehicle must know how dangerous oil overflow is and what to do to eliminate it.

Overflow elimination methods

To avoid the unpleasant consequences of an overflow, it is necessary to take timely measures to pump out excess oil. It all depends on how much excess grease has been poured into the car.


In the case when the oil is above the permissible level in the engine by 200-300 grams, the problem can be solved on the spot. To do this, it is enough to remove the oil filter from the lubrication system and place it on a stand so that the grease can drain off. After the grease has drained off, the filter must be placed in its place. In the case when the overflow is significant, there are several ways to resolve this issue.

The first way assumes the use of the capabilities of the service station. Many of them practice express oil change or its selection from the lubrication system. If there is such an enterprise nearby, it is recommended to contact a specialist. For a small fee, they can pump out excess lubricant on special equipment using special vacuum equipment.

Second way provides for self-pumping of oil lubricant through the filler neck. To pump out the lubricant, it is necessary to have a container for oil and a hose, preferably with a vacuum bulb. Pumping works include the following activities:

  1. It is necessary to raise the hood and remove the cap from the oil filler neck.
  2. Insert one end of the hose into the filler neck and the other into the oil container.
  3. Using a vacuum bulb on the hose, pump out the required amount of grease. When using a conventional hose without a vacuum bulb, you need to make 2-3 short suctions of air in the drain hole with your mouth and drain the grease. Do not allow oily liquid to enter the oral cavity.
  4. Check the oil volume with the dipstick.
  5. Close the filler neck and bonnet.


The third way provides for the removal of oil through the drain hole. To do this, you need a container that exceeds the volume of oil in the machine's lubrication system, a wrench for the drain plug and rags. For convenience, it is recommended to carry out work in an area equipped with a viewing hole. To complete the work, you must:

  1. Place the vehicle on the inspection pit and wait 10-15 minutes for the engine to cool down.
  2. Place an empty container under the drain hole, unscrew the drain plug.
  3. Raise the hood and remove the cover from the oil filler neck.
  4. Drain off oil. It is necessary to pour the grease until it is completely drained.
  5. Close the drain plug.
  6. Fill in the required amount of oil.
  7. Close the oil filler cap and hood.

Conclusion

The reasons for the overflow and ways to eliminate it allow you to quickly get rid of the problem and prevent a decrease in performance. When a mistake is made, it is clear what to do if you have significantly poured oil into the engine. The error should not be ignored. It is necessary to bring the volume of oil to the standards established by the manufacturer.

The motor is the heart of any vehicle. Incorrect operation of this power unit will lead to uncomfortable driving and to the impossibility of its operation. For optimal engine performance, the oil level in the engine must be correct. What will happen if you pour oil into the engine, and for what reasons, learn from this article.

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Oil overflow reasons

Before we tell you what will happen if you pour oil into the engine, let's look at the main reasons for the increase in the level of consumables. Depending on how much the oil is poured, the effect of the problem will be different.

Contact with other working fluids in the oil

If the level is above the norm, this could be due to the ingress of working consumables into the power unit - water or antifreeze. Fluid may enter the motor through the dipstick or filler hole. If the cylinder head gasket is damaged, coolant will enter the engine and oil will enter the cooling system.

Ingress of lubricant into the internal combustion engine cooling system

Violation of the oil change sequence

This is a common reason. If you change the fluid in the system yourself, there is still 0.25 liters left in the engine after draining the used oil. The remainder does not have time to drain or remains in the crankcase. This is due to the design features of the unit. And when you fill in a new liquid, based on the recommendations from the service book, then the volume is exceeded.

Neglecting oil temperature expansion

As the engine temperature warms up, the lubricating fluid expands. If grease is poured into the motor up to the MAX mark, then in the future this will lead to an increase in the level. That is why the liquid is poured to the middle of the level between the MIN and MAX marks. Before replacing, read the service manual for instructions on how to change the lubricant. This is done on a warm or cold power unit. When replacing, follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

Compression problems

The owners of many cars are familiar with the problem of compression drop in the internal combustion engine cylinders. This is due to coking of the unit with carbon deposits or debris entering the motor. Then you will have to perform de-carbonization of the internal combustion engine. We'll have to bore the cylinders, change the pistons and diagnose the tightness of the valves, as well as their clearances.

Deterioration of oil seals and other engine elements

If the compression is in order, then the oil seals are diagnosed and, if necessary, replaced with new ones. Sometimes this procedure is ineffective. This is because the valve guides are not working.

If the oil seals and bushings are in order, then the problem can be provoked by high pressure inside the unit. A malfunction of such a plan occurs as a result of the breakdown of important constituent parts. For example, the leading valves or the piston group could fail. Due to the appearance of gaps, exhaust gases can enter the combustion chamber (video by Vadim Moiseev).

Clogged valve

If the lubricant level has risen, it may be due to the valve. The device is used to separate the crankcase of the power unit from the atmosphere. If this valve is clogged in the ventilation system, this will increase the pressure level. As a result, the liquid level will increase. To eliminate the cause, clean the ventilation system from contamination.

How to measure the oil level correctly

How to check if the engine oil level is normal or not:

  1. It is best to check in the morning with a cold engine. Overnight, the grease will drain from the walls of the power unit and the result will be accurate. You can wait about 20 minutes after turning off the internal combustion engine.
  2. Remove the dipstick from the hole and dry it with a cloth. There should be two mark levels on the dipstick - maximum and minimum.
  3. Then put it back in and pull it out again. Ideally, the level of the consumable should be between the MIN and MAX marks.

All modern vehicles are equipped with electronic oil control systems. But sometimes they can "lie", so you shouldn't trust the on-board computer.


Checking the lubricant level on the dipstick

Signs of exceeding the level

If the engine oil level is exceeded, this can be understood by measuring the volume with a dipstick. Below we will talk about what are the signs of an excessive amount of lubricant in an internal combustion engine.

Difficulty starting the motor

If the fluid level is exceeded and it turns out to be above the norm, this will lead to more difficult rotation of the crankshaft. Because of this, less torque will be transmitted to the wheels. Starting the engine will be difficult and overall the car will become less agile and take longer to accelerate. Pressing the gas pedal, you will feel that the reaction of the internal combustion engine has become less clear, especially at lower revs. To compensate for the lack of power, drivers usually step on the gas harder, which leads to an increase in fuel consumption.

Leakage

You need to carefully inspect the power unit for leaks. An elevated oil level often leads to leakage. Liquid can come out of the filler hole or from the joints of the internal combustion engine body. Increase and overabundance can contribute to spark plug flooding and accelerated seal wear. Inspect the engine from all sides. If there are signs of leakage, be sure to check the lubricant level.

White smoke from the muffler

An excessively high level of lubrication can be caused by the ingress of antifreeze into the motor. If the cylinder head or its gasket is damaged, the coolant will mix with the engine. Its level will be high, and when the internal combustion engine is started, an uncharacteristic white smoke, more like steam, will go out of the exhaust pipe. This will cause the engine power to drop.


White smoke from the muffler

What happens if you pour oil into the engine?

Now about the consequences if the oil is poured into the engine above the maximum.

Enhanced carbon formation

If the liquid filling is higher than normal, this is fraught with various problems. Excessive oil is dangerous for the engine due to increased carbon formation. Carbon deposits on the inner walls of the engine will affect the operation of the pistons and components located inside the combustion chamber. New engines are less sensitive to soot, but wear out faster.

Oil waste

Overflow of the maximum level threatens with serious consequences. Such a problem will lead to overspending of fluid. In this case, the car owner will have to add more lubricants. This will lead to additional financial costs.

Increased fuel consumption

A high level can lead to increased fuel consumption. This is due to a decrease in engine power, which the driver compensates for by additional pressing on the gas pedal.

Increased loads on the oil pump and filter


Disassembled faulty oil pump

If there is an excess of lubricant in the machine, this affects an increase in pressure in the lubrication system. This negatively affects the operation of the oil pump and filter. Due to the non-standard pressure on these components and devices, the load increases. Working in this mode will lead to their accelerated wear and tear. Replacing the filter will cost the car owner inexpensively. And you need to fork out for the oil pump. Excess oil is harmful not only by loads, but also by the rapid contamination of the filter element.

Airing hydraulic lifters

Overflowing consumables will cause the crankshaft to sink completely into the crankshaft. And the liquid itself will begin to foam. If you pour a little lubricant into the unit, a decrease in the homogeneity of the substance will occur, as a result of which the hydraulic lifters will be airy. Air entrapment will make them less stable. The load on the remaining components of the timing mechanisms will increase, which is why they will wear out faster. When overflowing, the only option is to replace it if a non-separable unit is installed in the car.

Spark plug lubrication

Pouring a lot of oil into the internal combustion engine will affect spark plug performance. The effect of an overabundance on the operation of the power unit with oily candles will be negative. If the pressure in the lubrication system rises to a critical level, this leads to the appearance of pulse emissions. As a result of the flooding of candles, it is more difficult to start the motor. The car engine loses power, which increases fuel consumption.

Muffler contamination

Do not add more lubricant to the machine engine. It is dangerous for a car not only with engine problems, but also with pollution of the exhaust pipe. It is also associated with a drop in ICE power and high fuel consumption. Due to contamination, the service life of the muffler will be lower. It will fail earlier (video filmed and published by the TexnoFun channel).

Increased exhaust gas toxicity

Excess oil in the engine increases the volume of exhaust gases. But the volume of gases is not so terrible as their deteriorated quality. Waste exhaust releases poisonous and toxic substances into the atmosphere that can harm the human body. It will be dangerous if the car is warmed up in the garage in winter. Having breathed in exhaust gases, a person will feel a headache and nausea.

Deformation and rupture of oil seals and gaskets

When heated, the volume of the lubricant increases due to the expansion of the molecules. The engine is an enclosed space, therefore, an increase in volume leads to an increase in pressure, which squeezes out gaskets, oil seals and other sealing elements from the installation sites. As a result, the parts are deformed and may break. Due to the depressurization of the gaskets and seals, grease will leak through the joints. Its appearance helps to reduce pressure. The operation of the power unit becomes unstable, due to which the engine wears out faster.

Engine failure

If the engine oil is poured as much as possible, the consequences can be dire. Overfilling already affects the operation of the engine. If condensation or moisture gets into the unit with lubrication, this will lead to the formation of rust on the inner walls of the internal combustion engine. As a result, the motor may fail and its overhaul will be required.

What happens if the oil level is below normal?

Lack of consumables in the lubrication system will also lead to sad consequences. A low fluid level will reduce the life of the power unit. With regular operation of a vehicle with a lack of oil, the engine may completely fail. The unit will jam and will have to be repaired or changed (video filmed and published by the AcademeG channel).

Troubleshooting methods, what and how to do?

Why it is impossible to pour lubricant into the motor, we figured it out. Now we propose to find out what to do and how to lower the fluid level in the power unit. There are several ways that you can lower and lower the oil level by pouring more than necessary. Let's consider them separately.

How to get rid of excess through a drain

You can drain some of the oil from the internal combustion engine in a simple way using the drain hole.

The implementation of the method is allowed with a cooled engine. If the engine is hot, skin contact with oil will cause burns.

Work order

Drain the grease, if you have filled in more than necessary:

  1. The car is driven onto a pit or overpass. It is more convenient to use the lift.
  2. Then the hood opens and the filler plug is unscrewed. This is to prevent high pressure build-up.
  3. A container is placed under the drain hole - a cut bottle or an old bucket. Oil will be drained into this reservoir.
  4. The drain plug is unscrewed. Wait for the excess grease to come out. The plug is screwed into place.
  5. The engine oil level is now checked using the dipstick. If more fluid has been drained, the correct volume is added to the system.
  6. The next option will allow you to find out how to lower the oil level in the internal combustion engine using a hose, if you have poured more than necessary. It is often used when there is no way to get to the drain hole. The principle of operation of this method is based on the suction of grease from the filler neck.

    Work order

    1. You will need a syringe to pump out the grease. You can use medical, but better - construction. Prepare a rubber tube from, for example, a dropper. Connect one end of the tube to the syringe.
    2. Open the filler neck and lower the free end of the hose into it. Pull out part of the consumable with a syringe and pour into a prepared container. In the absence of a syringe, oil can be sucked out by mouth, but liquid must not be allowed to enter the oral cavity. It is most convenient to use a pump for this.
    3. When the grease is pumped out, check the volume on the dipstick.

    How to remove oil overflow at a service station with your own hands

    If you can't get rid of excess fluid on your own, contact a specialist at a service station specializing in express oil change. In large cities, such stations are located next to gas stations. In a few minutes, the craftsmen will remove excess lubricant from the motor using a special vacuum.

    If the overflow of consumables is insignificant, about 200-300 grams, then it is not necessary to drain the oil from the motor. You can dismantle the filter element, drain the grease from it and reinstall the filter. With a small overflow, this will normalize the level. Our compatriots often do not pay attention to the overflow, based on the assertion that the excess lubricant will itself go into the crankcase of the power unit. In old cars this is possible, but in new cars the liquid will be exactly kept at the same level. It is better not to run this question.