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Is it okay to grossly overfill the engine oil?

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Old 04-14-2006, 02:25 PM
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Is it okay to grossly overfill the engine oil?

I got my 15K mile service done on February 13, and after I got my car back I noticed that the oil level went all the way to the top of the dipstick well past the "full" line. I filled up with gas on April 12 (almost 2 full months later), and the oil level had finally dropped down to the "full" line. I called the dealership and was told that the engine would be fine and that overfilling it would have no effect on the engine. Can someone who has technical experience with this engine, or rotaries in general, tell me if this is correct? I asked them to record all of this in my service record, but who knows if they will actually follow through with it, especially if they have done something wrong. Thanks
Old 04-14-2006, 02:34 PM
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If makes it past the flat part on the dip stick all the way to the round portion, its to full. As long as its on the flat part, its fine. I have heard of bad things happening when its to full, expecially if this is true

https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discussion-3/got-my-rx-8-yesterday-then-died-87047/
Old 04-14-2006, 03:31 PM
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Originally Posted by jaguargod
I got my 15K mile service done on February 13, and after I got my car back I noticed that the oil level went all the way to the top of the dipstick well past the "full" line. I filled up with gas on April 12 (almost 2 full months later), and the oil level had finally dropped down to the "full" line. I called the dealership and was told that the engine would be fine and that overfilling it would have no effect on the engine. Can someone who has technical experience with this engine, or rotaries in general, tell me if this is correct? I asked them to record all of this in my service record, but who knows if they will actually follow through with it, especially if they have done something wrong. Thanks
The full mark is there for a reason. It means that's the maximum level for the oil. Of course the dealer will tell you it's not a problem. Does CYA ring a bell?

It may not have any adverse affect on your engine, but you won't know for some time and by then you won't be able to attribute it to overfilling. You should check your air filter element for oil soaking. (There is a good DIY on how to do get at the filter in the DIY section.) If it has oil on it, take the car into the dealer and show him what overfilling does to an RX-8 and have them replace the filter, clean the intake area and replace the IAT/MAF sensor unit. Make sure he replaces the IAT/MAF sensor or you may experience poor performance and poor fuel mileage. Ask for the old sensor or watch them do the replacement.
Old 04-14-2006, 04:12 PM
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I run 1 qt over, just pulled my OE intake and it's as dry as a desert bone ...

not to mention that all the hose connections are downstream of the MAF
Old 04-14-2006, 04:14 PM
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Overfilling is a bad idea, use the marks on the dip stick that is why they are there. Too much oil can damage the engine
Old 04-14-2006, 06:01 PM
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LOL, we need a Generalization Forum
Old 04-14-2006, 06:28 PM
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Arrow Filter....

All the hoses are also downstream of the filter, but if you overfill enough it will get on the paper element.

It backs up/foams up thru the fill neck, then dribbles down the corrugated trunk into the filter, from there it goes out the filter drain holes (yes, there are drains on the filter box) into the radiator fans below, and from there - everywhere.

My "mechanic" looked up the oil capacity, found "7 litres" and put most of them in. When I took it in to complain of the state of the filter and fans, they drained it all then got seven NEW jugs to put in. Incredible. Since then I've found a better guy, and ask for him.

S
Old 04-15-2006, 02:08 AM
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I would agree that "grossly overfilled" is an issue, but to say any overfill is an issue just isn't true ... I was waiting for somebody to bring up the crankshaft whipping issue
Old 04-15-2006, 02:27 AM
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Plenty of people have had their sump "grossly overfilled". Mostly it results in clouds of white smoke and loss of power. Drain the excess out and normal operation is restored.

https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discussion-3/uncle-buck-thick-white-smoke-exhaust-67109/#post968944
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