Motor oil level high from factory.

[pointman]

It appears several people have reported this phenomenon. To the more mechanically inclined, how large of a concern is this? *edit: only other way the oil is high, is if the dealer topped it off, but I don't really think that is the case*

My vehicle was taken to the dealer for the 5k service (glorified eye balling) and nothing was said. Now, a couple of thousand miles later, I find the oil level high. Getting a clean reading on the 4Runner isn't the best, with the angle of the dipstick tube and length, but I am fairly certain I have a good reading on it.

I am curious to what the experts thought about this so I can move from there. Considering whether I should go certified letter to corporate, followed up with an in-person visit to the dealer to document my finding, and then ultimately have the service (oil and rotation based on time not mileage) carried out by the dealer so that the onus can be on them if there were to be any engine related issues down the road. Originally I was planning to do the oil myself *edit edit: Because of the horror stories I have read on the forum about stripped screws and such* and forego the free service, but think that I would find myself in a less than desirable situation if in fact something were to go wrong. I would appreciate your opinions on this.

Thanks a ton.

 

[Sky]

How much too high? 1/8"? 2"? Checked on dead level surface? Had it just been run?

 

[RusPro17]

It appears several people have reported this phenomenon. To the more mechanically inclined, how large of a concern is this? *edit: only other way the oil is high, is if the dealer topped it off, but I don't really think that is the case*

My vehicle was taken to the dealer for the 5k service (glorified eye balling) and nothing was said. Now, a couple of thousand miles later, I find the oil level high. Getting a clean reading on the 4Runner isn't the best, with the angle of the dipstick tube and length, but I am fairly certain I have a good reading on it.

I am curious to what the experts thought about this so I can move from there. Considering whether I should go certified letter to corporate, followed up with an in-person visit to the dealer to document my finding, and then ultimately have the service (oil and rotation based on time not mileage) carried out by the dealer so that the onus can be on them if there were to be any engine related issues down the road. Originally I was planning to do the oil myself *edit edit: Because of the horror stories I have read on the forum about stripped screws and such* and forego the free service, but think that I would find myself in a less than desirable situation if in fact something were to go wrong. I would appreciate your opinions on this.

Thanks a ton.

Ok, Here is my story on the same thing. When I had my 17 Pro took it in for the first oil change at 5000 miles and alway check the oil after my vehicle sits over night to get a good reading. When I checked mine where the top Mark is on the dip stick I was about quarter or half inch over. Took it back to the service department. I knew the service guy from dealing with him for years the guy that writes up your service and not the mechanic. So I told him and he said they go off of what Toyota has in the owners manual. Well I prefer the way my mechanic does it. Been doing my vehicles for years. He never puts in what the manual calls for. He puts it close to it and checks it after he runs the vehicle and lets it sit for a while. My oil has alway been right at the Mark after he has done my oil change. It’s not good if it’s being over filled a lot. I had Toyota drain some out. When I checked it the next day it was right on the full mark.

 

[thennen]

I wouldn't over-think it, or over-react by sending certified letters and such. I doubt Toyota dealerships are secretly adding unnecessary oil and overfilling on purpose. No idea what happened, but likely not that.

 

[1000MPH]

To the OP, How high was it and how long after it was driven did you check? It’s possible the dealer topped it up as part of their 100 point inspection or whatever BS they call it. Doubt it was significantly high from the factory.

This is my rambling opinion...
So yeah, put yourself in their position, and know the faster you do the job the more money you take home...and it’s not your freaking truck.
If the dealer is adding 6.6qts and it’s over the fill mark, means all the old oil wasn’t drained out, Because it takes so long to get the last pint out. Maybe they skipped the filter too because they’re behind. Maybe they did everything correctly on the drain part and just set the dial to 7qts and called it good. Think, odds are most people ain’t gonna check it at all, like the OP didn’t in 5k miles, or are probably only going to complain if it’s low. A little added insurance that a customer isn’t going to complain about being a qt low and scream about a new engine. It is really hard to read that dipstick after a change anyway.
Unless it’s significantly overfilled and you get hydro lock out the gate, a high oil level will do what? Slowly blow the seals at worst? Two years later, no one will attribute your leaky engine to that oil change and overfill.
I had the dealer overfill mine on my very first change. They did charge me for 7 qts and this was before bulk oil was avail. I took it back for this and stripped bolts and also asked where the rest of my oil was, I should have a bottle with .4 qts still in it. Nope. All in the engine. It was about 1/4” above full.
Bottom line, gotta do it yourself or pay an honest mechanic. Or just sell in 3-5 years like most people on here.

 

[Bossman]

Toyota dealership put to much oil in, what do you think?

Engine Oil Overfilled?

My First Oil Change and Have a Question

Oil Change 5th Gen: How To- LOTS of PICS!

 

[pointman]

How much too high? 1/8"? 2"? Checked on dead level surface? Had it just been run?

About half an inch over the max mark. Yes, level surface and left overnight.

Ok, Here is my story on the same thing. When I had my 17 Pro took it in for the first oil change at 5000 miles and alway check the oil after my vehicle sits over night to get a good reading. When I checked mine where the top Mark is on the dip stick I was about quarter or half inch over. Took it back to the service department. I knew the service guy from dealing with him for years the guy that writes up your service and not the mechanic. So I told him and he said they go off of what Toyota has in the owners manual. Well I prefer the way my mechanic does it. Been doing my vehicles for years. He never puts in what the manual calls for. He puts it close to it and checks it after he runs the vehicle and lets it sit for a while. My oil has alway been right at the Mark after he has done my oil change. It’s not good if it’s being over filled a lot. I had Toyota drain some out. When I checked it the next day it was right on the full mark.

Thanks for sharing. Sounds like the dealership wasn't very concerned. Of course, its not their vehicle. Contemplating whether bringing this in to be documented but feel as though they will say its not high to cover themselves. They've lied prior about damaging my vehicle.

I wouldn't over-think it, or over-react by sending certified letters and such. I doubt Toyota dealerships are secretly adding unnecessary oil and overfilling on purpose. No idea what happened, but likely not that.

Hey, thanks. The letter was more about documenting the incident in case of future issues that may arise.

To the OP, How high was it and how long after it was driven did you check? It’s possible the dealer topped it up as part of their 100 point inspection or whatever BS they call it. Doubt it was significantly high from the factory.

This is my rambling opinion...
So yeah, put yourself in their position, and know the faster you do the job the more money you take home...and it’s not your freaking truck.
If the dealer is adding 6.6qts and it’s over the fill mark, means all the old oil wasn’t drained out, Because it takes so long to get the last pint out. Maybe they skipped the filter too because they’re behind. Maybe they did everything correctly on the drain part and just set the dial to 7qts and called it good. Think, odds are most people ain’t gonna check it at all, like the OP didn’t in 5k miles, or are probably only going to complain if it’s low. A little added insurance that a customer isn’t going to complain about being a qt low and scream about a new engine. It is really hard to read that dipstick after a change anyway.
Unless it’s significantly overfilled and you get hydro lock out the gate, a high oil level will do what? Slowly blow the seals at worst? Two years later, no one will attribute your leaky engine to that oil change and overfill.
I had the dealer overfill mine on my very first change. They did charge me for 7 qts and this was before bulk oil was avail. I took it back for this and stripped bolts and also asked where the rest of my oil was, I should have a bottle with .4 qts still in it. Nope. All in the engine. It was about 1/4” above full.
Bottom line, gotta do it yourself or pay an honest mechanic. Or just sell in 3-5 years like most people on here.

It was approximately 1/2" over the max bump marker. I checked it after having left it overnight. Keep in mind, I have not changed the oil ever on the vehicle. I have owned it for less than a year, and have about 6 or 7k on it. The only place that has touched my vehicle is the dealership I purchased the 4Runner from. And that was a few times, once for the 5k check and a few times while they had my vehicle to correct damage they did.

I do not have any intentions of selling this vehicle. I bought it so I could finally have at least one vehicle I hold onto. I am just concerned having run the vehicle for nearly a year with potentially that amount of oil in it.

Toyota dealership put to much oil in, what do you think?

Engine Oil Overfilled?

My First Oil Change and Have a Question

Oil Change 5th Gen: How To- LOTS of PICS!

Thank you for the links. I believe I have read all those, but will recheck now. I guess my main concern is, will this have hurt my vehicle in the long run or am I just overly concerned about nothing.






You guys are awesome. Thanks for indulging my concern on this one.

 

[LandCruiser]

No one is capable of putting the correct amount of oil into an engine anymore.

Mine has been overfilled by dumbasses for 8 years now and has no issues.

 

[pointman]

No one is capable of putting the correct amount of oil into an engine anymore.

Mine has been overfilled by dumbasses for 8 years now and has no issues.

haha thank you. That somehow made me feel better.

 

[CharlesNellis]

I read somewhere (maybe the manual), you're supposed to check the oil on a level surface with the engine off after the engine has reached operating temperature.

Yours may not be overfilled my much if so.

 

[shrub1]

No one is capable of putting the correct amount of oil into an engine anymore.

Mine has been overfilled by dumbasses for 8 years now and has no issues.

Same.

 

[ElectroBoy]

I’ve had the same experience. The oil level was high because:
1. They filled it when the engine was cold.
2. They just estimated the amount added.
3. They work as fast as possible and just don’t give a shit.

 

[RusPro17]

Hey Pointman you have every right to be concerned. I have not used my first oil change on my 2020 Pro. But I’m passing on getting those 2 oil changes from the dealer. I’m having my mechanic that’s been doing my other cars for years. He makes sure all the old oil is drained and put the correct amount in. There are mechanics capable of doing a oil change. Just need to find someone. When I told him about my 17 Pro when they over filled it and he said what they probably did.

 

[pointman]

I read somewhere (maybe the manual), you're supposed to check the oil on a level surface with the engine off after the engine has reached operating temperature.

Yours may not be overfilled my much if so.

Thanks for the suggestion. I will try that tomorrow for sure. I have been reading threads on here and many suggested checking after the vehicle has sat overnight. I have checked an hour or so after shutting down, and the level really wasn't all that different.

I’ve had the same experience. The oil level was high because:
1. They filled it when the engine was cold.
2. They just estimated the amount added.
3. They work as fast as possible and just don’t give a shit.

Well, that is disappointing. Hopefully you didn't run into any issues from it.

Same.

Somehow these posts are really reassuring ha

Hey Pointman you have every right to be concerned. I have not used my first oil change on my 2020 Pro. But I’m passing on getting those 2 oil changes from the dealer. I’m having my mechanic that’s been doing my other cars for years. He makes sure all the old oil is drained and put the correct amount in. There are mechanics capable of doing a oil change. Just need to find someone. When I told him about my 17 Pro when they over filled it and he said what they probably did.

I also plan on foregoing the two free oil changes. My only thought of actually doing the oil change at the dealer was so that I would have the protection of them being incapable of trying to blame me for any issues that may arise. I am still thinking about which way to go, but as of right now I am thinking I will make an appointment online stating my concern. Then calling the one service advisor that seemed nice. Then bringing the 4Runner in, having them do one of their "services" that does not include an oil change while also confirming my concern.

 

[Deep_palancar]

An overfill of less than several quarts is of no real concern for engine damage. The only risk of damage is from so much oil that the crank shaft becomes submerged and froths the oil. It takes something more than 6 quarts to reach that level and when it does you will know it by the noise and vibration.

There is a lot of head-space above the oil to allow the vehicles to operate up and down hills at severe angles.

Hundreds of FJ Cruisers have been double filled since '07. On the FJ the engine drain is under the skid plate but the transmission drain is just aft and visible. Many, many have had the transmission pan drained and 6 more quarts of engine oil added to already full engine then driven for thousands of miles. Only a few reported oil frothing when climbing steep inclines.

An inch or so above the full line is nothing to fret over.

 

[pointman]

An overfill of less than several quarts is of no real concern for engine damage. The only risk of damage is from so much oil that the crank shaft becomes submerged and froths the oil. It takes something more than 6 quarts to reach that level and when it does you will know it by the noise and vibration.

There is a lot of head-space above the oil to allow the vehicles to operate up and down hills at severe angles.

Hundreds of FJ Cruisers have been double filled since '07. On the FJ the engine drain is under the skid plate but the transmission drain is just aft and visible. Many, many have had the transmission pan drained and 6 more quarts of engine oil added to already full engine then driven for thousands of miles. Only a few reported oil frothing when climbing steep inclines.

An inch or so above the full line is nothing to fret over.

Thanks for your post. Makes me feel better. I have never heard of anything like that prior. If that were the case, why the min and max bump marks?

 

[Sky]

There is a lot of head-space above the oil to allow the vehicles to operate up and down hills at severe angles.

Beat me to it- I was gonna say since the 4WD Toyotas are built for and known to traverse extremely steep grades surely they took that into account when designing the oil pan- need to keep the pickup submerged and also need to keep oil from getting whipped by the crankshaft under pretty severe tilts.

Just changed my oil for the 2nd time this morning- first time was at about 1200 mi and just returned from a trip where I put 7200 mi on in 4 weeks. So I'm at 8400 mi.
I have the Shrockworks skids so it was nice to just remove 4 allen head screws to pop the filter access and go through the hole they included for the drain plug. Much easier than stock skids.

 

[catrains]

like I stated many times on my oil changes.. oil drains out of the engine 45 min !!! takes longer on my old GM V8 engines. oil ports in these engines Toyota takes longer to drain out.. then the oil guy will set up the 6.6 qt amount.. then it will be over the fill mark.. because the old oil was still in it some amount..

I put in 6.25QTS... at the fill mark.. check it the next day when it sits over night on level ground..

changing the oil at a repair shop less time more profit ..

 

[pointman]

like I stated many times on my oil changes.. oil drains out of the engine 45 min !!! takes longer on my old GM V8 engines. oil ports in these engines Toyota takes longer to drain out.. then the oil guy will set up the 6.6 qt amount.. then it will be over the fill mark.. because the old oil was still in it some amount..

I put in 6.25QTS... at the fill mark.. check it the next day when it sits over night on level ground..

changing the oil at a repair shop less time more profit ..

Thanks for your post. I appreciate the insight. The puzzling part is, this is the oil from the factory. I haven't changed it yet. I will be sure to go less than the 6.6 at first, and do as you said and add in after checking overnight. Thank you.