Engine Oil Overfill

[OBSTheBest]

I wholeheartedley agree with @OR VietVet. Invest in a few tools and always do your oil changes yourself. I had a nightmare incident once.

About 9 years ago, I took my truck to Jiffy Lube and had them do a "simple" oil change. Turned out the oil filter they placed on it looked like it was for a car. It was tiny! Seemed to be starving the engine of oil and causing the motor to chirp internally. Was so strange too, because you could pull the dipstick out and the chirp would go away. As if it was relieving internal pressure? Never confronted them and went home and did my own oil change. All was fixed.

Boy, do I regret not confronting them, but I did not want to make any enemies that day.

Never again have I let anyone else change my oil.

Hope no serious damage has been done to your Vortec. Please keep us updated, if possible.

 

[homesick]

I've gotten past the point of doing my own oil changes and lawn mowing.

For oil changes, I've found a small independent mechanic's shop. It's two younger guys in an old 2 bay ex-gas station. It costs more than going to 'We Be ****** Oil Changes And ****' does, but I trust these guys. Their vehicle inspections are geared to maintaining the truck, not to selling me more parts.

Not bragging, but I'm even getting a bit hit and miss about checking their work.

joe

 

[Eddie_Tahoe]

I have the tools and have done my own oil before. Unfortunately just not set up for it now. Honestly fine paying someone for it to build a relationship for bigger stuff and keep the truck in good order. Always found that a good investment. These last few years have just been real hard to find somebody to trust.

I'll let y'all know how it turns out. What should I keep an eye out for once I get the level straight?

Thanks again!

 

[OBSTheBest]

I have the tools and have done my own oil before. Unfortunately just not set up for it now. Honestly fine paying someone for it to build a relationship for bigger stuff and keep the truck in good order. Always found that a good investment. These last few years have just been real hard to find somebody to trust.

I'll let y'all know how it turns out. What should I keep an eye out for once I get the level straight?

Thanks again!

For starters, just keep an eye on the oil pressure and make sure your motor is not making any sounds out of the ordinary while running.

Maybe even pull the dipstick after a few hundred miles and check for any metal shavings in the oil. That would be a sign of some serious damage, though.

I'm sure some others with more knowledge than me (very novice) may chime in.

Hope this helps a little. Thanks!

 

[OR VietVet]

Some how, some way, either do the oil change yourself or find a trustworthy shop, friend recommendations and a personal meet and greet helps. I always use a magnetic drain plug and encourage others to as well. Periodically do an oil analysis with these guys: https://www.speediagnostix.com/shop/p/standard-drain-sample-kit

About — SPEEDiagnostix

www.speediagnostix.com

 

[homesick]

Some how, some way, either do the oil change yourself or find a trustworthy shop, friend recommendations and a personal meet and greet helps. I always use a magnetic drain plug and encourage others to as well. Periodically do an oil analysis with these guys: https://www.speediagnostix.com/shop/p/standard-drain-sample-kit

About — SPEEDiagnostix

www.speediagnostix.com

What do you think of this, as a cheap, quick and easy, down and dirty, metal trap...

Stick a magnet to the outside bottom of the pan, near the plug. Remove it at oil change to let the oil flush any collected shavings.

I thought about this in the '70s, when, AFAIK, magnetic plugs weren't common. I've just always wondered how much good it would do; where it ranks on the 'better than nothing' scale.

joe

 

[OR VietVet]

What do you think of this, as a cheap, quick and easy, down and dirty, metal trap...

Stick a magnet to the outside bottom of the pan, near the plug. Remove it at oil change to let the oil flush any collected shavings.

I thought about this in the '70s, when, AFAIK, magnetic plugs weren't common. I've just always wondered how much good it would do; where it ranks on the 'better than nothing' scale.

joe

Sounds doable, BUT, when the metal gathers there is always a sludge effect at the metal area. If you use a magnetic drain plug, that comes out with the plug. If you use your method, there MAY be some of that left in the pan. But, it is a "better than nothing" idea.

 

[Stbentoak]

The best is to put a strong magnet on your filter. Then it all goes away when changed.

 

[OR VietVet]

Is there a reason that has not already been done?

Edit: I did some research. They are available as an add on or direct replacement in some applications and as a pre filter adaptor.

 

[homesick]

The best is to put a strong magnet on your filter. Then it all goes away when changed.

You're right, and I have thought about it. A big ol' slice of pineapple magnet.

But I forgot all about it for this time. Potholes in my memory.

joe

 

[homesick]

Is there a reason that has not already been done?

A magnetic plug requires no extra brains or work [off the top of my head].

joe

 

[OR VietVet]

Hell, set up a magnet on the oil filter and have a magnetic drain plug.

 

[NELLY1947]

Hey all. I drove home from a regular oil change and didn't notice anything unusual but next day saw oil level was a little high (at about the R in "OPERATING RANGE" on dipstick, see picture). Service invoice says 6qt went in. Took a short drive, pressure seemed higher than normal (about 50psi), slowly dropped to around 25psi steady as truck warmed up. Should I be worried, try to drain some out? THANK YOU!

View attachment 453845

You had this done at an oil change shop?? Why should you get your hands dirty and possible make a huge mess in you driveway. Take it back and make them fix it.

 

[homesick]

Hell, set up a magnet on the oil filter and have a magnetic drain plug.

Belt and suspenders.

joe

 

[Eddie_Tahoe]

UPDATE: Took about 0.7qt out the top. Level now in range at top of crosshatch. No obvious issues. Oil pressure is about 50psi right after startup.

After warmup pressure is 20psi at idle.

and steady 40psi at highway cruise.

Is this normal? Honestly never paid this much attention to oil pressures before.

 

[Eman85]

Honestly that's an indicator, the numbers are there for your comfort. After 25 years of dirt and use it's only an indicator. That looks very normal for our trucks.

 

[Eddie_Tahoe]

Honestly that's an indicator, the numbers are there for your comfort. After 25 years of dirt and use it's only an indicator. That looks very normal for our trucks.

I appreciate everyone's feedback and advice very much. It makes a big difference. Thank you for helping me work through this.