Oil Change Overfill
- Thread starter Sonoran_Desert
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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
Member
I don't see why not. If the dipstick goes down there a tube should too.
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ArthurKotb
Member
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.
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
Senior Member
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.
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
Member
Thanks for the feedback all
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:
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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.
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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
Member
Yes, with engine cold, withdrew dipstick, wiped, inserted and quickly removed/ read dipstick.
Sonoran_Desert
Member
Seems like I need to check when engine is not completely cold
kenwilliams0803
New member
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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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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Sonoran_Desert
Member
Appreciate the info everyone. Prior to oil change, all old oil was 100% drained. then filled with 6.5 quarts per owner's manual of Toyo OEM oil with new OEM filter. Clearly 6.5 was too much.
Although I would have likely been fine as many have said, I bought a hand pump at Auto Parts store and pumped out 1 quart to get oil level lowered back to the high Fill Line
Reading past posts on the topic, it seems many here use 5.5 quarts. Something also strange about T4R dipstick that makes reading hard.
Next oil change my truck will get 5 quarts and then I will add as needed over the following days.
Although I would have likely been fine as many have said, I bought a hand pump at Auto Parts store and pumped out 1 quart to get oil level lowered back to the high Fill Line
Reading past posts on the topic, it seems many here use 5.5 quarts. Something also strange about T4R dipstick that makes reading hard.
Next oil change my truck will get 5 quarts and then I will add as needed over the following days.
Captain Spalding
Member
This looks like a situation where a Fumoto or other drain valve would be helpful.
kenwilliams0803
New member
Once overfill has occurred, yes. In my mind the solution is to fill it with around 5.5, then start it, check for leaks, and back it down off the ramps. Let it sit 5-10 minutes and check it. Add as needed. At least that's the way I do it.
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ArthurKotb
Member
A thought; are you checking the stick on level ground? Streets aren't level because they have to allow for storm drainage. I change mine in the garage where the floor is level, at least side to side. I drain, change the filter and add 6 quarts, then start the engine for a minute or two. I check the level and add more but below the top fill mark. I drive the car for a week or so then check the level again.
An uneven surface may account for the problem reading. Low tire(s), lift kit, cargo can be factors. I'd rather be a quart low than a pint high.
An uneven surface may account for the problem reading. Low tire(s), lift kit, cargo can be factors. I'd rather be a quart low than a pint high.
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