Overfilling crankcase

[tkotanch]

I probably should have posted this under oil change stories.

I recently had my independent MB mechanic replace the rear diff mount on my 1973 MB 280 dual cam six with carb.

I had him or I should say the kid in his shop so an oil change. They used Castrol 20w/50. I was kind of curious why and he said that's what he puts in all MBs. I trust his judgement.

However, when I checked my dip stick later in the day, it looks like the "kid" overfilled my crankcase. It's about a quart over the max line. I'm curious....is this a big deal. Can it cause problems. It's probably coincidental but my car seems to be hesitating...not running as well.

Can either of these things affect my buggy?

I'm a novice here and appreciate your input.

T

[Ferdman]

There's normally a warning not to overfill the crankcase. Remove/suck out the extra quart immediately. It's best to keep the oil level between the max. and min. lines on the dipstick. I'd question the independent mechanic how/why he returned your car to you with the crankcase overfilled. It's certainly not rocket science and his helper should learn how to perform an oil change properly. Most shops use bulk oil and add oil with a nozzle which makes it easy to overfill if one isn't careful. It's best to underfill by a quart or so then run the engine for a few minutes and check the level on the dipstick. Add as required to bring the oil level midway between the max. and min. marks.

[tkotanch]

Thanks for your response. I'm a little concerned about it being overfilled.

How can I suck out the extra quart? Through the dipstick hole?

Thanks for your input.

Tom

[tkotanch]

Where in Southeastern PA do you live? I grew up in Pottstown...lived in Ambler for years. Now in sunny Arizona.

Take Care,

Tom

[lee polowczuk]

Simple:

I would immediately take it back to the shop, show them the problem, and make them drain it out and put a new fill in.

How could they say no?

[Ali Al-Chalabi]

Yes, if you have a topsider or any suction device with a hose that can pull liquids it can easily be easily removed through the dipstick tube. Too much oil can cause the crankshaft to splash in the oil and cause foaming with introduces air bubbles into the oil. This air can then possibly be picked up and introduced into the lubrication system.

[Ferdman]

Tom, yes, you can suck out the extra quart through the dipstick tube. Better yet take your car back to the independent mechanic that overfilled it and let him sort out the problem. It's likely that in the future he will check oil levels more closely during oil changes.