Over-filled with oil? Help?

[TonyW]

Hi all,

I'm not hugely motor-engineer experienced and think I may have just screwed up.

We have a 1996 Petrol V6 Auto. I checked, what I thought, was the oil dipstick and it seemed low. This was accessed under the passenger seat, near the front of the engine block with a yellow top.

I then added 1ltr of oil via the filler cap below the drivers seat .... and then just as I finished I noticed a dipstick right by the filler cap! This is the engine oil dipstick isn't it??

I think the one I first checked was the auto transmission dipstick?

Can some one confirm ... and .... is it a BIG problem if there is a 1ltr too much oil in the engine?

FYI, it's going into County Cars (Portslade) on Saturday for cam-belt change and oil seal replacements.

I feel like a bit of a "dipstick" myself

Thanks in advance.

Tony.

[Flanners]

Depends how much your litre has topped up what was already in the sump. What is the reading on the actual oil dipstick now? If it is a few mm's/up to a cm over I would not be too concerned and would personally drive it to the workshop for it's appointment given they can rectify the situation whilst they work on it. Failing that you could let a bit out via the sump plug (when cool) or use a PELA. Given it is this Saturday and one drive there I would if it is not too badly over filled drive it to the workshop.

[TonyW]

Checked again. Being very clean oil it's quite difficult to make out the level but looks about 10mm above full.

Wife needs it for the rest of the week.

Does anyone know how accessible the drain plug is, do I have to remove the shielding/trays ??

[Flanners]

Personally with a cm/10mm above I would drive it without a worry

[g8dhe]

There are TWO dipsticks on all engine types, the dipstick under the driver is for the Automatic Transmission (NOT the engine).
The dipstick under the passenger seat is the engine oil dipstick for all engines.
The oil filling point for a V6 is the one under the Drivers seat, on a diesel its under the passenger seat.

The ATF oil level has to be measured when the engine is hot and running, not cold or switched off!!

[TonyW]

Geoff,

That is very helpful. It appears I was correct the first time.

Reason I'm checking the oil is we have an oil seal leak, hence the cambelt and seals being done this weekend.

I thought I'd check the level to ensure its not too low.

We had a diesel before and the dipstick was under the passenger seat on same side as filler.

So, to be 100% ..... the black topped dipstick under the driver seat of this petrol V6 is the ATF and the smaller yellow topped one under passenger seat is for engine oil?

Correct?

Many thanks.

Tony.

[TonyW]

Geoff,

You are officially a "supreme being".

Thanks for your wise words and you've confirmed I'm not quite as daft as I thought.

Late night oil drain averted!

Tony.

[g8dhe]

Yes the ATF dipstick is always under the drivers seat and the engine oil dipstick is always under the passenger seat.
Get them to check the state of the alternator as well, as leaks from the cam seals causes the oil to cover the alternator which then causes the alternator to overheat several months/year down line.