Oil Change Overfill - Toyota 4Runner Forum

Sonoran_Desert · 03-30-2023, 03:17 PM

I read that even 1/2 quart too much engine oil can increase engine pressure. This looks like an overfill of about 3/4 quart.

I am unsure how concerned I should be.

stiles_s · 03-30-2023, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sonoran_Desert

I read that even 1/2 quart too much engine oil can increase engine pressure. This looks like an overfill of about 3/4 quart.

I am unsure how concerned I should be.

I am not a doctor or a lawyer or a mechanic.

Oil pressure wise, this is determined by your oil pump. As long as it has the ability to get oil and distribute it you're fine.

If the crankcase is so full that a) the oil can't return from its journey or b) the oil is in contact w/the bottom of the crank and potentially "frothing" then this could cause an issue. I'd look for foam/froth on the dipstick after a drive.

IMO you should be OK.

On a semi related note: does anyone know if a top-end (through dipstick) oil extractor will work with a 4runner?

Soneill · 03-30-2023, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stiles_s

I am not a doctor or a lawyer or a mechanic.

Oil pressure wise, this is determined by your oil pump. As long as it has the ability to get oil and distribute it you're fine.

If the crankcase is so full that a) the oil can't return from its journey or b) the oil is in contact w/the bottom of the crank and potentially "frothing" then this could cause an issue. I'd look for foam/froth on the dipstick after a drive.

IMO you should be OK.

On a semi related note: does anyone know if a top-end (through dipstick) oil extractor will work with a 4runner?

I don't see why not. If the dipstick goes down there a tube should too.

ArthurKotb · 03-30-2023, 05:03 PM

I would put a clean catch basin under the car and take the drain plug out. It shouldn't take but a second or two. I'd save the oil and use it another time... or in my chainsaw.

Better to be a quart low than a quart too much. The frothing is what I have heard is the problem. The crankshaft is aerating the oil and it doesn't lubricate properly.

CutthroatSlam · 03-30-2023, 05:28 PM

These dipsticks are incredibly difficult to read with fresh synthetic oil in there.

My experience, slight overfill and you are ok. Significant overfill and you risk blowing seals like on the crankshaft. Once that happens, you are in for some expensive repair work. Based on what I see here on my iPhone, I would reduce that oil level.

You can either drain some off through the drain plug, or draw some out through the dipstick using a pump and a long straw or tube.

Sonoran_Desert · 03-30-2023, 06:39 PM

Thanks for the feedback all

djeepin · 03-30-2023, 09:51 PM

I am sorry to break-in late into thread, it looks closed issue. However, try take oil reading while engine in idle - that's the proper level. And if anyone interested: does someone noticed that thread on Toyota oil quart bottle exactly the same as thread on engine oil filler neck? picture for reference:

Bmnorm2 · 03-30-2023, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djeepin

However, try take oil reading while engine in idle - that's the proper level.

What? No! That is bad information. Oil level on regular dipstick vehicles is taken when warm and engine off.

BMW and other fancy oil level checks are different and may or may not be while engine running, but they also donÂ’t have a dipstick.

IÂ’ve found it really difficult to check the oil level with 0w-20 and stock dipstick, but yours does look a bit overfilled.

????? · 03-30-2023, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bmnorm2

What? No! That is bad information. Oil level on regular dipstick vehicles is taken when cold and engine off.

BMW and other fancy oil level checks are different and may or may not be while engine running, but they also don’t have a dipstick.

I’ve found it really difficult to check the oil level with 0w-20 and stock dipstick, but yours does look a bit overfilled.

I don't have the manual on hand but majority of the vehicles I've worked on needed the oil at operating temp before measuring on the dip stick.

OP, since I don't know if you did a wipe off and then a quick insert and removal I will assume you did so.

IF it bugs you enough I would advise draining some oil for max efficiency. It's better to have NOT enough oil vs. TOO MUCH oil in most cases.

You can either crack the drain plug for a moment OR get a vacuum pump with reservoir and pull some out.

Drive around 10 miles and then check the dipstick for any aeration. If you see some then I would advise drawing some oil out.

Bmnorm2 · 03-30-2023, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ?????

I don't have the manual on hand but majority of the vehicles I've worked on needed the oil at operating temp before measuring on the dip stick.

OP, since I don't know if you did a wipe off and then a quick insert and removal I will assume you did so.

IF it bugs you enough I would advise draining some oil for max efficiency. It's better to have NOT enough oil vs. TOO MUCH oil in most cases.

You can either crack the drain plug for a moment OR get a vacuum pump with reservoir and pull some out.

Drive around 10 miles and then check the dipstick for any aeration. If you see some then I would advise drawing some oil out.

You are correct, oil should be warm. Corrected my post. I was flabbergasted by the idea of checking dipstick while engine idling. All of the oil should be settled back into pan when checking.

Page 410 of owners manual for procedure.

Warm up, turn off, allow 5 mins for oil to drain back into pan, pull dipstick and wipe clean, reinsert, remove and observe level.

Sonoran_Desert · 03-31-2023, 12:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ?????

I don't have the manual on hand but majority of the vehicles I've worked on needed the oil at operating temp before measuring on the dip stick.

OP, since I don't know if you did a wipe off and then a quick insert and removal I will assume you did so.

IF it bugs you enough I would advise draining some oil for max efficiency. It's better to have NOT enough oil vs. TOO MUCH oil in most cases.

You can either crack the drain plug for a moment OR get a vacuum pump with reservoir and pull some out.

Drive around 10 miles and then check the dipstick for any aeration. If you see some then I would advise drawing some oil out.

Yes, with engine cold, withdrew dipstick, wiped, inserted and quickly removed/ read dipstick.

Sonoran_Desert · 03-31-2023, 12:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bmnorm2

You are correct, oil should be warm. Corrected my post. I was flabbergasted by the idea of checking dipstick while engine idling. All of the oil should be settled back into pan when checking.

Page 410 of owners manual for procedure.

Warm up, turn off, allow 5 mins for oil to drain back into pan, pull dipstick and wipe clean, reinsert, remove and observe level.

Seems like I need to check when engine is not completely cold

rdruss · 03-31-2023, 08:22 AM

Take oil filter off and drain, repeat several times.

kenwilliams0803 · 03-31-2023, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sonoran_Desert

Seems like I need to check when engine is not completely cold

Doesn't really make a difference. Oil doesn't suffer anywhere near the same expansion under heat that ATF does.

Now with ATF, it should be at a certain temp and idling. Some vehicles require trans in Park, some require N.

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engeeoh01 · 03-31-2023, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stiles_s

I am not a doctor or a lawyer or a mechanic.

Oil pressure wise, this is determined by your oil pump. As long as it has the ability to get oil and distribute it you're fine.

If the crankcase is so full that a) the oil can't return from its journey or b) the oil is in contact w/the bottom of the crank and potentially "frothing" then this could cause an issue. I'd look for foam/froth on the dipstick after a drive.

IMO you should be OK.

On a semi related note: does anyone know if a top-end (through dipstick) oil extractor will work with a 4runner?

Yes, an oil extractor will work. I used a Mityvac twice through the dipstick with an extraction tube through to the bottom. I pulled the drain plug both times to see how much was extracted. First time practically everything. Second time about a quart left.

It helps to extract the oil when it’s warm. I find that extracting takes longer than a regular drain procedure. Thus, I have reverted to normal draining from the plug. You’ll be certain all the fluid will be drained.

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