What happens if there is too much engine oil?
3 Answers
Excessive engine oil can lead to the following situations: 1. Increased fuel consumption and reduced power: If too much lubricating oil is added, the engine components will experience intense agitation during operation, leading to increased internal power loss. This also increases the engine's oil agitation loss, as the higher oil level increases resistance on the crankshaft, affecting power output and increasing fuel consumption. Drivers may notice reduced power, sluggish acceleration, and increased noise. 2. Decreased power: A significantly increased amount of oil entering the combustion chamber leads to more carbon deposits, increasing piston movement resistance and reducing engine power.
Too much engine oil is no small matter. When the oil pump operates under excessive pressure, the oil tends to foam, and these bubbles create incomplete lubrication layers, increasing internal engine friction. Over years of car experience, I've seen many cases where piston rings and bearings wear out faster, leading to louder engine noise and higher fuel consumption. In severe cases, foam can cause oil seals to leak under pressure, clogging the crankcase ventilation system. Even worse, oil may seep into the combustion chamber, resulting in oil burning and blue smoke that damages the catalytic converter. During regular oil changes, I always measure the dipstick repeatedly—keeping the oil level at about two-thirds between the upper and lower marks on level ground is safest. Avoid overfilling to prevent costly engine overhauls.
Once I accidentally overfilled the engine oil. While the engine was running, I noticed significant body vibrations and a drum-like humming noise. On the highway, the acceleration felt sluggish and fuel consumption increased. After checking, I found the oil level on the dipstick was way above the max line. The mechanic later told me severe foaming had compromised lubrication, and they had to replace sealing rings during cleanup, costing me 800 yuan for nothing. Since then, I've made it a habit to check the oil level monthly - wiping the dipstick clean and reinserting it for accurate measurement when the engine is cold. Remember, proper oil level keeps the engine running smoothly and worry-free. Don't repeat my careless mistake.
