gosu22

So, I decided it was time for an oil change, got my Bosch 3400 oil filter and 4 quarts of Chevron regular motor oil 10W-30.

I loosened my oil filter, unscrewed the oil bolt and then let it drain for about 40 minutes. Took out the filter, put in the new one, put the oil bolt back on and then poured in 4 quarts of the 10W-30. Let the engine run for about 20 minutes and then checked my dipstick, it's way above the H mark. Like, I think it goes maybe an inch past it?

This is weird to me because I replaced the filter, and I know I'm supposed to add like 4 new quarts because I let it drain for a long time. Either I don't know how to read my dipstick, or I have too much oil. I mean, I know that there might be some residue oil, like maybe a half quart at the most... Does this mean I should only add 3 1/2 quarts?

I was thinking of draining all my oil again, and then pouring them into the motor oil bottle, and this time only filling up like 3 quarts or something after letting it drain for maybe a few minutes. Then I'll wait 20 minutes for it to run, and then check my dipstick to try to get it in between L and H (which is where I think it's supposed to be).

I did check on level terrain, and that's when I knew for sure every time it's past the H mark, so I think I have too much oil but I don't know why.

How many quarts do you add? What if there is additional oil past the H mark, and how am I supposed to tell? Basically, how do I read the dipstick? It seems like there's always some kind of extra oil there.

Also, what does it mean when your oil is bubbly (after a little spirited driving)? Is that normal?

My brother was explaining to me that when you have too much oil, the crankshaft hits the top of the oil sump or something, and it makes it really frothy. Is that about right? What happens when you have too little oil? How does having extra oil affect the engine adversely?

When you add oil, is it perfectly at the middle, or do you add less and then add as necessary?

Any help is greatly appreciated, thanks. =]

Nacho_240

According to autozone, the recommended oil amount is 3 and 7/10 quarts. Oddly, it's the same amount for the KA24 and SR20. That is why the oil level on your dipstick is so high.

Also, having ran your motor for 20 minutes immediately before checking your dipstick will give you an inaccurate reading because there is still oil throughout the entire engine. You should wait atleast 10 minutes after turning it off. I'm not too sure what happens to the excess oil though. Does it burn away?...

!Zar!

Why don't you just drain some of the oil?

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luftrofl

My 89 was filled right up to the high mark when I put in 3.5 quarts.
You should put in a little bit less than what you think will get you at the "full" level. Then you should run the car and then add if you need to.

Excess oil makes froth in the oil pan -> Bubbles don't lubricate.

I have a pdf of a fsm (not sure what year) and it says 3.5L (3-1/8 qt) when you change the oil with a filter. That doesn't seem right ot me so I''ll find my print copy of the fsm to double check.
I do, however, know that you need under 4 qt. for a change.

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Engrish is funny in Japan. In America, it's for stupid fanboys.

gosu22

I believe that excess oil just kinda froths like mayonnaise at your oil pump, and also may cause an oil leak. I am a noob though.

gosu22

I think this is my best bet, but how much do I drain?

gosu22

Is this including the oil filter or no?

g6civcx

Tips from somebody who has done more oil changes than 99% of the population:

1) It's best to drain the oil overnight if you have time.

2) If possible, tilt the car back and forth a little to make sure as much oil is drained as possible.

3) It's better to remove the oil filter first so you don't get dirty.

4) Slightly underfill by 1 quart. Let the engine run for a minute or so and check the oil pressure light. Let the engine stand for several minutes on leveled ground then recheck and add oil sparingly.

5) I personally like to dump 1 qt of el cheapo oil into the filler with an open drain plug and watch the oil drain out. It's not necessary but I feel that it helps get out some of the old oil.

VQMaxFan

too much oil can result in possibly messing up your bearings, you do not want bubbles in your oil, as someone else stated "bubbles don't lubricate"

also just in case, did you buy one of those 4 quart containers of oil? I have accidentally grabbed the ones that a few places have that are 5 qts, thinking it was 4qts, and didnt notice it until my dipstick reading was very high

Nacho_240

You should first put back the drain plug, install new oil filter and then add the recommended 3 and 7/10 (maybe a little less like the guy above said).

...Is that what you meant?

g6civcx

There is absolutely no way to get all of the oil out of the engine, even if you let it drain for a week.

When you tear down the motor you will see some oil still in the engine.

The rated capacity is just an estimate of what they think should come out. It's always better to err on the side of caution and put in slightly less, and add more oil sparingly than to have too much.

surreybc

91-94

ENGINE OIL: 3-3/4 quarts(without filter); 4 quarts(with filter)

4 quarts will overfill it. i assume same with tran and diff oil

gosu22

Okay, so I let it drain a little and then underfilled it by 1 quart. It looks to be a little bit less than midway now, but I have to get to level terrain to know for sure.

Thanks for all your help guys.