Overfilled my engine by 1/2 qt

[RegDunlop]

When I changed the oil the other day, I had a 5 qt jug of Mobil, after draining and adding about 4 1/2 qts from the jug I ran the engine shut it wwaited and check ed the oil. I then noticed it was still low so I added the other 1/2 qt from the jug. I checked again after waiting for 10-15 minutes and the oil level appeared just at or under the full mark on the dipstick.

Now I checked my oil this morning and it appears slightly higher than the ful;l on the dipstick.

My owners manual states 4.5 qts, but I thought maybe I got more oil out because the car was on ramps, thats why I needed the extra 1/2 qt.

I guess I was wrong.

Is this too much oil, or is it okay?

Should I drain a 1/2 qt out?

[3rdrow]

i would drain it out.

[RegDunlop]

I was hoping somebody would say a 1/2 quart isn't much to worry about

[mclairmo]

A 1/2 quart isn't too much to worry about.

[75blazer]

Did you check it after sitting all night, or did you turn on the motor to fill up the oil passages first?

[3rdrow]

you know, its probably not anything to be overly concerned with. i just have my opinion because im kind of OCD about those things. i would kick myself in the rear HARD if something catastrophic happened because i let something go as simple as 1/2 qt of oil. will something bad happen? probably not. but you never know. for no longer than it takes to loosen the filter or drain plug enough to get the excess out, its worth my time for the peace of mind during the next 3000-5000 miles.

[2bz]

You are fine. It will probably burn the extra 1/2qt off in a few thousand miles anyway

[mclairmo]

On these engines, does the oil filter drain out after sitting and thus raise the oil level by morning? I can't remember how the filter is oriented and if it has a real good anti-drainback valve in it or not (depends on filter you use, I guess). I know that some vehicles have a higher oil level in the morning because of drainback from the filter. Maybe OP used an aftermarket crap filter that's draining out and raising the oil level by morning?

[noanswer]

Originally Posted by mclairmo

On these engines, does the oil filter drain out after sitting and thus raise the oil level by morning? I can't remember how the filter is oriented and if it has a real good anti-drainback valve in it or not (depends on filter you use, I guess). I know that some vehicles have a higher oil level in the morning because of drainback from the filter. Maybe OP used an aftermarket crap filter that's draining out and raising the oil level by morning?

Can't speak for the '09 and up, but my '06 doesn't appear to be at an angle that would allow much if any draining. OP doesn't specify what year he has, so who knows.

[RegDunlop]

I am OP. I have an 07. I used a Honda OEM filter. The way the filter sits, I don't think oil drains back in. I think it would be fine to leave in the way it is after much research, but I will remove it tomorrow afternoon anyway, just for the peace of mind.

thanks
for all the answers



The reason I think it would be okay to leave 1/2 a quart in is how much could half a quart of oil raise the height of the oil in THAT oil pan?? from the looks of it I would be very very surprised if it were enough to harm the engine, maybe in a much smaller oil pan or engine, but not the pilot.

[mclairmo]

You will not harm the engine. May create more windage and thus lose some power, very little power, but no damage can be done.

[krazykarguy]

Don't worry about it. You'll cause more trouble for yourself trying to remove only 1/2 a quart of oil than your engine will ever see.

Just put in 4.5 next time, and ignore the dipstick until after the oil has been thoroughly pumped through the engine, and has settled cold into the oil pan on a level surface.

[whizmo]

I've noticed that 4.5 won't typically get the sump completely to full. (I usually put in ~4.5 and just accept where it ends - it's usually around 1/3 qt low on the stick.) So I bet you're not even a 1/2 qt high.

I also notice that if I check it the day after the oil change, it seems to be a little higher than right after the change. Dunno why. Another reason not to keep adding to try and get it plumb full.

If it's only slightly above the full mark on the stick, I wouldn't worry about it. There's some tolerances involved here.

- Mark

[2010exl]

Heres another vote for leaving it alone. A little extra wont hurt. Key word is "little"

[Nicksdad0325]

I wouldnt worry too much about it. If your Pilot's like many of ours you'll lose the extra oil faster than you can say Jack Robinson.