Oil Above Max...
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Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: N.Y.C.
'99 CLK320, '91 BMW 325Ic
Oil Above Max...
Now that I'm in my 40's and I can't see s**t, I managed to put too much oil in the motor, probably about a quart. Now I get the oil above max message on the dash. Will this cause a problem or can I drive it for a few until I get some free time next week to get an oil change? TIA...
Last edited by RickTheRuler727; Sep 20, 2014 at 12:16 AM.
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Joined: Apr 2005
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From: SCV SoCal
2002 CLK430
Hey Rick, the short answer is; yes, this can cause problems. Personally, I’d drain the overage ASAP. If you’re a DIY type and you drain the oil using the suction method, this will take less than 5 minutes.
Too much oil is a problem because ordinarily, oil is not compressible. If there is a layer of oil (held in place by oil pressure) between expensive internal engine parts, those parts won’t grind themselves into oblivion. If the engine has too much oil in the sump, the crankshaft counterweights can hit the oil. That will cause the oil to become aerated (envision milk in a blender). Aerated oil typically doesn’t hold pressure and bearing wear will occur.
Too much oil is a problem because ordinarily, oil is not compressible. If there is a layer of oil (held in place by oil pressure) between expensive internal engine parts, those parts won’t grind themselves into oblivion. If the engine has too much oil in the sump, the crankshaft counterweights can hit the oil. That will cause the oil to become aerated (envision milk in a blender). Aerated oil typically doesn’t hold pressure and bearing wear will occur.
