Engine Oil Overfill

[DevonBoy]

So it seems my engine oil has been ovefilled by about 2cm over the full line on the dipstick.

The car has done a 400 mile trip since the engine oil being topped up. (Motorway 80 - 90 mph)

Whilst on the the trip (this happened about 3 times) the car would suddenly have a slight "jolt or bump" is the best way i can describe it. And it felt like the car lost a little power and then the power would return after 10 - 20 secs.
This only happened a few times but i am now worried after seeing that the engine oil was over the full mark. Apart from this the car ran without any problems at all. No excess exausht smoke.

Would this have caused any damage to the engine?

Also I would like to drain the engine oil now, is this easy to do on an 03 leon? (i.e Locate the oil plug and bolt, undo, let it drain, wipe the filter and refill?)

Its a 1.8 20v SE btw.

Any help or thoughts will be greatly appriciated guys!

Thanks

 

[Willie]

If your going to do this make sure you get a new sump plug and washer, you have a torque wrench to refit this and pay really close attention to the oil level when filling. I wouldn't bother removing the filter. The engine needs approximately 4.5 ltrs BTW

 

[DevonBoy]

Hey, thanks for the info

Do you think any damage may have been caused to the engine?

I think a trip down to the SEAT garage maybe in order just to make sure

 

[Muttley]

The only time I ever did this was on a Mk 3 Cortina (yeah, I'm ancient). The most noticable effect was that I laid a smoke trail after going down a steepish hill on a dual carriageway (i.e. at speed). I suspect that oil splash was making its way into the inlet tract via the breather. This would be much more serious for a diesel (possible runaway)

2cm is a lot over the limit. I think the main reason for the top limit on oil level is to avoid the cranks splashing into the oil, which will cause lots of oil foam and subject the crank to some stresses it isn't supposed to see.

To reduce the oil level the best solution would be one of those suction devices that goes in through the dipstick hole. Maybe your local garage could help?

 

[mrwookie]

As Muttley said 2cm is a lot over the limit although I have never personally heard of any serious damage from to much oil in a car although the level is there for a reason.

I've also helped a few friends who have over filled and the best way I found was just jack up the car, remove the lower engine bash guard and then with a bucket/washing up bowl underneath remove the sump plug but keep hold of it. Let a small amount of oil drain out and then put the plug back in.

Saves draining all the oil! Just take is slowly checking every so often to make sure you haven't drained to much, you can always top up with new oil, and just make sure to allow for car being jacked up when checking the level.

Oh and maske sure you have some rags/towels to clean any oil spill.

Easy! Saves going to stealer unless your really worried that you may of caused a problem but I think it would be ok.

 

[Toxic]

2 cm can make a difference if any breather hoses at the bottom are sucking up any oil. you can end up with oil seals leaking and oil being sucked up into the top half of the engine where is it not suppose to be and even pressurisation. I would definitely take it to a garage to at least drain any excess from the sump unless you have one of those Pela Suction extractors mentioned here: http://www.seat-ibiza-mk4.co.uk/seat_ibiza_tdi_oil_change.htm

 

[Havok316]

I had a similar thing. I topped mine up to the level but after driving and checking the oil later it showed about 1cm over the line. But this could be due the oil heating up? I have no idea but seat have serviced it since then lol

 

[Muttley]

Havok316, you probably didn't give the oil enough time to reach the sump and register on the dipstick. The oil filler is in the cam cover, and oil has to reach the drain holes in the cylinder head and then get down through the relatively small holes in the block. Best to underfill slightly, then check after a minute or so.

 

[DevonBoy]

Thanks for the replies guys.

I went down my local garage and asked there. It definately needs to be drained and they to reckon its not likely to have caused any damage but Im having them give it a quick check over to make sure.