Overfilling Oil - Worst Case Scenario

Joekota
Mon, 16 Aug 2010 19:11:02 +0000
Maintenance/Repairs

I read several postings on the possible effects of overfilling oil, but wanted to get the informed opinion on my situation.

I have a 2000, Dodge Dakota, 3.9L V6 that I bought new, kept in good working order, and expected to own for some time to come. I took the truck to a popular national chain for a simple oil change. The truck was driven for short distances until the 175 mile, 5-day (post-oil change) mark when we we got on the highway. Suddenly, after 5 miles, the “check gauges” light came on, the oil pressure gage was seen jumping wildly between 0 and 40, and within 20 seconds (before the truck could be shut down), a rod came through the side of the engine. When I checked the oil level, it was approximately 1.5" above the maximum fill line on the dipstick, over the ‘r’ in “Do Not Overfill” (…and this was after we lost some oil on the road.) In addition, the oil was dark and had a burnt smell. Though no “foam” was noticed, there was a residue on the stick well above the oil level mark.

The popular national chain says they have no reason to believe their error was the cause of my misfortune. It must be a “coincidence” and that they have no knowledge that such a catrostrophic event could be caused by overfilling the oil. (They do admit to overfilling the engine with oil.)

Does anyone have any experience with oil levels 1.5"+ above the max-fill line. Your insight is of great value to me. I miss my truck!

35 posts - 24 participants