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Oil overfilled: potential for damage?

Old Sep 24, 2006 | 09:11 PM
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Oil overfilled: potential for damage?

I've seen the discussion of the Renesis being "dry sumped" so frothing of overfilled oil wouldn't be an issue, and read the reference to 0.3 qt. overfill unlikely to do damage, but what about an overfill of 1.3 quarts for about 300 miles of driving?

I took my '06 in for the PCM recall inspection at about 2K miles (reflash only needed), and had my first oil change. I assumed Tustin (CA) Mazda's service dept. was competant, because that dealership is practically neighbors with Mazda No. Amer. Opers. HQ in Irvine. Apparently not, as I learned when I checked (and rechecked) my oil level about two weeks later and found the dipstick wet approx. 1.25 inches above "F". Studied my oil change invoice and found I was charged for "5" units @ $4.07 each, and can only assume the mechanic had put in 5 quarts. (Engine capacity w/filter chg. is 3.7 qts, so rounding to "4" units might make sense, but not 5.)

Drove to dealer immediately (half-hour before Sat. svc. dept. closing); they drained and refilled to correct level, but said they couldn't do the compression test/seal check I demanded because they were closing. They also couldn't satisfactorily explain why my engine might not have been damaged, as the owner's manual says it could be from oil overfilling. I complained to dealer's ops. mgr., and I intend to take this up with the owner and Mazda NA on Mon. (Ironically, my first service visit was to test/prevent damage under the recall, and instead they put the engine at risk, at least according to the manual.) I'm now not confident they did the flash properly, if they couldn't even fill oil to spec.

Q: Do any Renesis techs (or owners who've had a similar experience) know what actual or potential damage could have occurred as a result of this overfilling?
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Old Sep 24, 2006 | 11:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Riccardo A.
I've seen the discussion of the Renesis being "dry sumped" so frothing of overfilled oil wouldn't be an issue, and read the reference to 0.3 qt. overfill unlikely to do damage, but what about an overfill of 1.3 quarts for about 300 miles of driving?

I took my '06 in for the PCM recall inspection at about 2K miles (reflash only needed), and had my first oil change. I assumed Tustin (CA) Mazda's service dept. was competant, because that dealership is practically neighbors with Mazda No. Amer. Opers. HQ in Irvine. Apparently not, as I learned when I checked (and rechecked) my oil level about two weeks later and found the dipstick wet approx. 1.25 inches above "F". Studied my oil change invoice and found I was charged for "5" units @ $4.07 each, and can only assume the mechanic had put in 5 quarts. (Engine capacity w/filter chg. is 3.7 qts, so rounding to "4" units might make sense, but not 5.)

Drove to dealer immediately (half-hour before Sat. svc. dept. closing); they drained and refilled to correct level, but said they couldn't do the compression test/seal check I demanded because they were closing. They also couldn't satisfactorily explain why my engine might not have been damaged, as the owner's manual says it could be from oil overfilling. I complained to dealer's ops. mgr., and I intend to take this up with the owner and Mazda NA on Mon. (Ironically, my first service visit was to test/prevent damage under the recall, and instead they put the engine at risk, at least according to the manual.) I'm now not confident they did the flash properly, if they couldn't even fill oil to spec.

Q: Do any Renesis techs (or owners who've had a similar experience) know what actual or potential damage could have occurred as a result of this overfilling?

bad damage none... look for oil in the intake air box....

beers
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Old Sep 24, 2006 | 11:19 PM
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Well, like swoope said, there shouldnt be any damage. but overfilled oil will *most likely* go to your airbox because of the air tube returns them. Its a safety counter measures.

I guess those *tech* thought that RX-8 has a typical piston engine since most piston engine requires about 5 quarts of oil.

but seriously speaking, the whole RX8 oil system can handle about 6 quarts, but you gotta drain it completely to get that amount.
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Old Sep 24, 2006 | 11:22 PM
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if you decide to take ownership... and have fun at the same time...

this will be helpful...

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-yourself-forum-73/diy-max-oil-out-oil-change-90879/

beers
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Old Sep 25, 2006 | 05:09 PM
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Stop selling your DYI !!!!
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Old Sep 25, 2006 | 05:10 PM
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dyi,

do yourself it... you have a good memory..

beers
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Old Sep 26, 2006 | 07:28 AM
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it works
OD
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Old Sep 26, 2006 | 12:11 PM
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my dealer overfills my car every time... doesn't hurt anything except you'll be more prone to getting oil in your intake until the oil level burns down
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Old May 21, 2010 | 04:11 AM
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Overfill on oil

Hi all

I am a new owner of an 05 RX8.

I have just had a service performed by a Mazda Dealer and checked the oil afterward to see if levels were good.

It is over the Full mark by about 1.5cm. Vehicle is driving normally.

Is this ok? I have heard you should not overfill the sump, but in this case I would hope it is ok as its not that overfilled.

All feedback appreciated.

Thanks

][ce
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Old May 21, 2010 | 05:04 AM
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Iceman, how is your question different from the OP's?
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Old May 21, 2010 | 05:09 AM
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I though the original OP may have overfilled a lot, not sure. I just wanted to find out where the oil level is on the dipstick when it has been greatly overfilled. Mine is only 1.5cm past the full mark. Car seems to be normal, so I guess it's ok.It will burn off after a few k's anyway.

cheers
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Old May 21, 2010 | 05:53 AM
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iceman theyve told the OP he was basically fine just may have a little oil in the intake box. so if you have a little wouldnt you assume youd be okay? lol sorry
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Old May 21, 2010 | 08:45 AM
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Guess your right. lol

I worry to much...hehe
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Old Jun 20, 2010 | 01:53 AM
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Intake???

Hi all

I have a question re the oil getting into the intake potentially if the oil is overfilled.

Can I ask what intake this is? Does it get into the airbox behind the filter or under it? Or is it in the flexible rubber hose attached to the throttle body?

All help appreciated.

Cheers

][ce
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Old Jun 20, 2010 | 07:07 AM
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Originally Posted by Iceman808
Hi all

I have a question re the oil getting into the intake potentially if the oil is overfilled.

Can I ask what intake this is? Does it get into the airbox behind the filter or under it? Or is it in the flexible rubber hose attached to the throttle body?

All help appreciated.

Cheers

][ce
you might want to search.

as this has been covered like 98243074019274 times.
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Old Jun 20, 2010 | 07:37 AM
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Since it's Sunday morning and I'm not really awake enough to say "search", yeah it can get into the airbox(intake....one and the same) and pool under the filter. The reality is...............it can come up through the rubber hose into the accordian tube(so you need to check that and clean) and then it runs into the airbox where it will pool. At this point, it can soak the air filter a little bit(need to check and clean that). Long term, it can also end up fouling your MAF and get into the throttle body as well where it may gum things up. Check it all and get it cleaned up! Iceman808.......You weren't overfilled that much, the OP might have been a diferent story.

NYCGPS..........that recent ticket got you crankier than usual! J/K
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Old Jun 20, 2010 | 12:43 PM
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Actually we have a couple of quarts in the lines and oil coolers, so capacity is around 7 quarts.

Always.......Always check your oil level after someone else does it.

Do this before you leave with the car.

Many places forget to put the oil back in.
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Old Jun 21, 2010 | 09:12 AM
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Thumbs up Thanks

Cheers Mazsurfer

I really appreciate you taking the time to clarify the issue. sometimes when you search, what you are looking for is not always staring you in the face.

Does anyone think I should need to check the intake if my oil was overfilled about 1.5 inches over the full mark (about 1cm up the round part of the dipstick) I get the feeling it needs to be a lot higher than this to go into the intake.

Much appreciated and thanks to others feedback.

][ce

Last edited by Iceman808; Jun 21, 2010 at 09:16 AM.
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Old Jun 21, 2010 | 09:22 AM
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If you're concerned with overfill then certainly do check your intake. While you're in there you can clean/replace your air filter and clean your MAF. Also check for any air leaks in the accordian section.
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Old Jun 21, 2010 | 10:26 AM
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Originally Posted by Iceman808
Cheers Mazsurfer

I really appreciate you taking the time to clarify the issue. sometimes when you search, what you are looking for is not always staring you in the face.

Does anyone think I should need to check the intake if my oil was overfilled about 1.5 inches over the full mark (about 1cm up the round part of the dipstick) I get the feeling it needs to be a lot higher than this to go into the intake.

Much appreciated and thanks to others feedback.

][ce
See what Huey says below first off.
2nd.......yes I would go ahead and check it(all). It can get in there numerous ways. By this I mean, it's not just by how much the overfill it. There are other ways........blow back, and filling to quickly can actually kinda do it as well.
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Old Jun 22, 2010 | 03:07 AM
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Maf

Cheers

Can I ask a question though? What is the MAF and where is it located? I assume it is near the throttle body?

I will take my air box off this weekend and check to make sure all is clean inside. I will check accordian section also, but need to know location of MAF.

Many cheers

][ce
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Old Jun 22, 2010 | 03:22 AM
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Originally Posted by Iceman808
Can I ask a question though? What is the MAF and where is it located? I assume it is near the throttle body?
https://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php...71&postcount=9
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Old Jun 22, 2010 | 05:34 AM
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Jon to the rescue... as always.

Be careful not to drop the two small Phillips head scews that retain the MAF housing.
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Old Jun 22, 2010 | 06:50 AM
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Unbelievable that Mazda doesn't know how much oil to put in their own car. I had an aftermarket filter for my K & N Typhoon intake ruined by these idiots over filling my oil. The oil ran down the intake and literally ate my filter. To top things off they refused to pay for it. I sent a letter to Mazda USA and am awaiting a response. That the last time a dealership is changing my oil.
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Old Jun 23, 2010 | 04:15 AM
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Cheers folks......much appreciated.

Have not tried to remove my airbox yet, but found a DIY so will give that a go.

Hopefully it's all sweet. Had words with Mazda about the oil. Same old excuse I have heard before. They just put in what is says it takes in the manual!!!!!!!!!! How's about checking it I said the way it's supposed to be checked by warming it up and then letting it sit for 5 mins before checking. I dropped about 200-250ml out of it so not to much and it is now where it should be on the stick.

It amazes me that MAZDA cannot do such a simple thing like replace the oil (shrug)

Cheers

][ce
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