Overfilled Crankcase Advice
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Overfilled Crankcase Advice
I have a 97 Mercury Grand Marquis 4.6 liter. Several weeks, and about 600 miles, after an oil change from one of the fast-lube places, I noticed that they had overfilled my crankcase significantly. They drained almost 8qts out of my 5qt pan when I took it back to them.
During the time that it was overfilled, I suffered no noticeable problems, leaks, or warnings. Since the problem was corrected, I have put about 200 more miles on it, and still haven't seen any indications of a problem.
Did I get lucky, or should I still be concerned? What should I have checked to be reasonably sure no damage was done? Any input would be much appreciated.
J
FTE Legend
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 53,932
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From: NY and VA
I would say you are ok.With the extra oil in the crankcase you might have seen front or rear seals leaking. I wouldn't worry about it. The main thing is did they put in the right weight oil? My 97 Crown Vic uses 5w-30. I heard that Ford put out a TSB about the oil weight but, I haven't seen it yet.
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
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From: Austin, TX
The main concern with overfilling the crankcase is that the rotating assembly can come in contact with the oil (since the level is so high) which whips it like an egg beater. This develops bubbles in the engine oil, which when circulated throughout the bearings, provides less lubrication. It's not good, but it sounds like you caught it eventually so it's probably OK. As long as you have good oil pressure and you don't hear any knocking, tapping or ticking, you're fine.
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Thanks for the input. I feel a little better now. I have driven it some more, and still don't see any signs of leaks, or hear any unusual noises. I thought about taking to the shop and having it checked out, but I'm not sure they could tell me something that I don't already know. With so many miles on the engine, I doubt that I could hold the oil change people accountable anyway. Maybe I got lucky. It's just that this car has been such a stellar vehicle (almost 300k and looks and runs great), I hate for something a stupid as this to cause me problems.
Thanks again!
Thanks again!
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
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From: Atlanta GA
If it is not leaking now, I would not worry about it. About the only time you can cause trouble with overfilling an engine is racing it at high speeds or adding so much oil it comes out the valve covers.
I hope you told the dipstick that did it to start using it.
I hope you told the dipstick that did it to start using it.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
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From: Brentwood,CA
The 4.6 and the rest of the mod engines have the crank so far up in the block 3 quarts of oil won't hurt them. Three extra quarts brings you 1/4'' above the oil pan rail. The oil in the 5 quart pans sits 1 7/8'' below the rail this gives a lot of room for error. No damage was done but the oil change place would not get my business again.
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Great Info! Thanks guys.
Believe me, I'll be checking my oil level immediately after every oil change from now on.
Actually I did exaggerate a little. Actual mileage is only 282k. Great car, solid engine, no smoke, and still gets about 27mpg highway if I keep my foot out of it. It still looks good too.
The only major problem that I ever had was when the stupid plastic intake manifold started leaking coolant from a hairline crack. Had to have it replaced. Unfortunately, I was outside of the guidelines of the legal settlement, so Ford didn't pay for it.
Believe me, I'll be checking my oil level immediately after every oil change from now on.
Actually I did exaggerate a little. Actual mileage is only 282k. Great car, solid engine, no smoke, and still gets about 27mpg highway if I keep my foot out of it. It still looks good too.
The only major problem that I ever had was when the stupid plastic intake manifold started leaking coolant from a hairline crack. Had to have it replaced. Unfortunately, I was outside of the guidelines of the legal settlement, so Ford didn't pay for it.
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i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
that is the reason i will never ever go to any fast lube joint. retarded monkeys can do a better job than the losers working there.
and for the price you pay for questionable service, and unknown quality parts and oil, you can get the same job done by a dealership.
i pay $29.95 for an oil change at the local ford dealer here in Jersey.
the same price at the fast lube places, without the sales pitch for everything under the sun being bad and needing to be replaced.
and for the price you pay for questionable service, and unknown quality parts and oil, you can get the same job done by a dealership.
i pay $29.95 for an oil change at the local ford dealer here in Jersey.
the same price at the fast lube places, without the sales pitch for everything under the sun being bad and needing to be replaced.
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