MikeHTally
Member
- :
- 2008.5 Speed3, 2006 Chrysler 300C, 2003 Ram 1500
OK, I'll bite -- why?
Why'd my oil change take 7 qts. of oil?
- Thread starter Hank3
- Start date
oaklandopen
Member
i don't really think it's a "bad" thing to do, but it is an unnecessarily long amount of time to drain the oil
the only reason why i can see it being a bad thing is that it would be "drying" out all the components that need oil inside. so when there isn't as much oil on the surface of the metal components inside after you start it up there might be some metal-to-metal contact until the pressure gets the oil everywhere.
problem with that theory is that oil sticks to everything until you clean it off with special cleaners anyway, especially when it's inside the engine and not exposed to the elements. so unless you're draining the oil for a long, LONG time (more than 3 hours) then it's probably fine
- :
- 2010 Mazda5 GT
Took a trip ~ 200 miles today. Checked the oil level when I got back (gave it about 5 minutes to cool down) and it was about 1/8 inch above MAX. I'll go ahead and drain a little bit tomorrow (it's too cold to be messing with it now).
My thing is in the manual it states that if it's at the MIN mark (which I know is NOT my case), add enough oil to bring the level to MAX. I figured I'd drain enough out so it'll read at MAX, but it seems like a few of you prefer in the middle of MIN and MAX. Any particular reason other than personal preference or it's better for the car? It also states in the manual to not fill past MAX as it can damage the engine. Hopefully a smidge over for a couple days won't do too much harm (shrug)
My thing is in the manual it states that if it's at the MIN mark (which I know is NOT my case), add enough oil to bring the level to MAX. I figured I'd drain enough out so it'll read at MAX, but it seems like a few of you prefer in the middle of MIN and MAX. Any particular reason other than personal preference or it's better for the car? It also states in the manual to not fill past MAX as it can damage the engine. Hopefully a smidge over for a couple days won't do too much harm (shrug)
liquidflem
Member
- :
- MS3
I overfilled my car and ran it with about that same amount for a while before realizing that it was over filed. That was a long while ago and i've had no problems. I did drain it after a week or 2 though.
I have no particular reason for putting it in the middle, really. Just that i see MAX as not wanting to go any higher and MIN and not wanting to go any lower, so the middle is the safest bet
- :
- 2010 Mazda5 GT
I have no particular reason for putting it in the middle, really. Just that i see MAX as not wanting to go any higher and MIN and not wanting to go any lower, so the middle is the safest bet
Pretty good simple logic (iagree)
I alwas go about 3/4 up..so im past halfway but slightly below the max mark...been doing that on all my cars...I end up putting about 5.8-6 quarts with my oem filter. Even with a 3 hour drain,still puzzles me how it took 1.5 quarts more than it should. I wait till it starts to drip drop sloooowly..which is 30 min usually. Good luck Hank 
The cars reliability is not going to be compromised if you run your oil anywhere between the min and max line.
Essentially the reason they put max and min lines in there is if you go too far over maximum, your crankshaft will stir up the oil like a blender causing the oil to aerate, which does not lubricate very well. If you go under the min line your pickup tube might start getting starved for oil in cornering or if there's just too little oil, and obviously air can't lubricate the engine.
Essentially the reason they put max and min lines in there is if you go too far over maximum, your crankshaft will stir up the oil like a blender causing the oil to aerate, which does not lubricate very well. If you go under the min line your pickup tube might start getting starved for oil in cornering or if there's just too little oil, and obviously air can't lubricate the engine.
