RamAirRckt

I have a 98 GS4 and when I check the oil after overnight sit, the oil level is 4 inches over the full line.

But if I drive it and let it warm up, then let it sit for 5 min or so and measure, it is spot on.

Is this normal? Is the oil cooler (if it has one) draining into the pan?

I haven't been under it, what sort of oil filter does this have? Spin on or Canister? I saw some reference to a canister, but not sure I trust it, 99% of the cars today have spin on.

vwynn

iTrader: (4)

on the dipstick?

and i dont get your second question.. oil filter is just like any oil filter toyota/lexus uses.

if it has at least 5 quarts in the engine youre good. (remember i said at least)

RLGS300

im assuming you are talking about the engine oil, but are you sure its not the tranny oil?

newgsman

iTrader: (4)

4 inches does not sound right at all. Do you wipe the dipstick and recheck when it is cold? Cold is the best time to check the oil. Mine is pretty much spot on the full mark.

BCP43002

x2

The trans fluid dipstick would act like you describe. The oil dipstick would ,if anything, act the opposite. Too much oil is just as bad as too little.

BCP43002

I think some RAV 4's have a canister that comes apart.

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

Our cars use the traditional spin-on filter.


My fluid level is pretty much on the spot regardless if I let the engine sit overnight or 10 minutes after a drive.

The transmission fluid level on the other hand....

RamAirRckt

I'll look at it again tomorrow and see. I normally don't wipe it when the engine has sat over night.

I am pretty aware what stick is what.... Was glad to see the trans stick is a locking stick too.

gs400rpg

oil creeps. take peice of metal put some oil on it. come back the next day and see how far the oil "creeps"

wipe it and check it like your supposed to.

SaiyanGS3

iTrader: (8)

Just recheck. If it's really 4 inches above the full mark, you need to get under your car asap and drain. This is the EXACT reason why I do things like this on my own. I've actually heard a mechanic state that the engine "soaks" up oil (like if you dip a towel in water) so he always overfill engines by 1qt...

RamAirRckt

Yikes! Find a new Mech!

I agree, I do my own work 99% of the time. Even alignments I can do at home (its simple geometry.... Don't kid yourself, you can be just as accurate as a shop, if not more so, as you will take the time to do it right)

I looked at it this weekend, high as usual cold overnight sit. Then I wiped stick, it was high, but only an inch or so, then if I check after 3-4 min after engine hot, reads spot on.

After overnight Soak engine cold.


After overnight Soak, engine cold, stick wiped and measured again.

RLGS300

The second picture, looks like you have about a quart of overfill, cant say for sure the picture isnt too clear for me.

SaiyanGS3

iTrader: (8)

The 2nd pic doesn't look that bad compared to the first one. Honestly, I've never seen oil that high on the stick. Was the oil recently changed? Is the car parked on some type of steep slope? IDK what would cause the initial read to be so high.

RamAirRckt

Talked to my friend who works at Lexus, he said what I see is normal. It should be checked hot and pretty shortly after shut down. Essentially engine hot, shut down, pop hood, walk around car to open hood and check. (I believe he said he's been at Lexus for 22+ years)

Which mine reads good at that point in time.

Do we have oil coolers? wonder if the oil cooler is draining back into the oil pan and giving the high readings. I have seen my 454 do that, it drains back slow overnight and an oil change with filter will take 7 quarts then, if the cooler didn't drain, around 6-6.5 quarts.