hms09

Checked my oil level this morning before going on a long trip. The oil was changed 2 weeks ago by my Toyota dealer. The oil dip stick shows the oil lever at least 3 times past the full mark. Is this dangerous? Should I take it back and have it corrected?

Thanks for quick replies as I am leaving tomorrow.

Doublebase

Three times past the filled mark?? I'd check it again, because if it is that overfilled, then yeah, I'd definitely get the thing corrected.

What will happen is the oil will blow past the rings and burn in the cylinders...you'll get some smoke on acceleration and you don't want to be burning oil. Oil that is burnt in the cylinders leaves a dirty cylinder, you're going to get a lot of soot and carbon buildup...you could damage your plugs and you could cause some damage to your catalytic converters/O2 sensors.

If it was just a little overfilled maybe I wouldn't worry about it, but not the amount you have.

Devh

Yes it will ruin the engine and the main seals. Take the car back and let them know they messed up. After that always make sure to check the oil level yourself after an oil change.

hms09

Good advice Devh. I will certainly do that from now on!

roadfrog

Not sure what you mean, by "3 times the full mark", but regardless, if they overfilled it, you need to create a file documenting your information. Things such as photos of the dipstick with the oil level, copy of the invoice, etc to bolster your case. Then speak with the service manager addressing your concerns and presenting your case, on the premise that they provide assurances that they will cover you if any damage to your engine has occurred. I would go so far as to provide all of the is information to Toyota Corporate.

Let us know how you progress.

hms09

Well my eyes must have been deceiving me. I started the car up and drove around the block maybe a half mile. Let it sit for an hour and checked it again and its right on the full mark. Let it sit for another 2 hours and same result. So I guess its ok but I will check it again in the morning after it has sat overnight and go from there. Thanks to all who replied.

greg3852

Maybe those beers you had put you at 3 times the mark? Hahahahah never check the oil after drinking. Jk

Glad it's nothing.

NickTee

First off, are you checking the oil correctly? You do not check it cold and you don't check it with the engine running or just after shutdown. You must give the oil time to flow back into the oil pan after the engine has stopped.

Arvid

....and check the oil when the car is parked on level ground :-)

NickTee

And make sure that gravity is working.