Too Much Oil - Dealer Oil Change

Vettetrn · 05-04-04, 07:53 AM

I just picked up my 1993 Vette LT-1 6-Speed from the dealer after having the oil changed, OPTI-Spark, Spark Plug Wires, Water Pump, and Heather Core changed.

The car seemed to be running boggy and not to it's normal acceleration or power. I drove the car on a weekend trip for about 400 miles. I got up to go to work yesterday morning and found oil on my garage floor.

I took the car to another dealer for an independent assesment after checking the oil level. It was about 1/2 inch above the full line. The mechanic told me that the car was 3/4 of a quart too high and that my Crankcase Seal was the cause of the leak. He mentioned that perhaps changing the OPTISPARK was the cause if the Crank had to removed and new seals were not replaced or the pressure.

My question is this, can too much oil 3/4 quart cause seals to leak? What other damage can happen?

Tony

DAL · 05-04-04, 08:34 AM

I had the same thing happen to my 1992 and the dealer redid the oil change and said that it shouldn't cause a leak. I am not ever bringing my cars back to a dealer. I spent $60.00 for a oil change and they couldn't even check the level. I think MR Goodwrench should go back to an old school shop for trainning. In my opinion any good mechanic these days can make more money on there own and the guys that can't end up in dealerships as part replacers. Thanks for letting me get that off of my chest!!! I feel better now.

Skant · 05-05-04, 07:12 PM

Racers purposefully put an extra quart of oil past full in these cars with the stock oil pan to prevent oil starvation during hard cornering. So I'm thinking the answer is no... overfilling by 3/4 quart should not cause a leak.

- Skant

**FX GS** · 05-05-04, 07:51 PM

Originally Posted by DAL

I spent $60.00 for a oil change

Holy chit!! I know that oil has been referred to as "LIQUID GOLD" but thats what it sounds like was in you oil!!

**Vettefan87** · 05-05-04, 09:40 PM

I doubt it would leak from the crank case seal with just a quart over full. So im not sure what it is. Have you gotten under the car to see if there are any wet spots? the dealer might just be trying to take you to the cleaners.

PS How much oil are we talking about on the floor of your garage?

Vettetrn · 05-08-04, 11:56 AM

Thanks for the comments.

I had six or so 2 inch diameter drops. I had another dealer do replace the crankshaft seal, $325. No more leak.

I found it interesting how the car was not longer running boddy after draining about 3/4 of a quart of oil. I do think the pressure did the seal in. I think its the original seal.

The Deal that did the oil change refused to take any responsibility for the damage. Dealer said the 3/4 of a quart couldn't cause such damage. Hmmmmmmmmmmmm I think so. Is this too subjective of an issue?

Cheers!

**86PACER** · 05-09-04, 06:25 AM

Originally Posted by DAL

I had the same thing happen to my 1992 and the dealer redid the oil change and said that it shouldn't cause a leak. I am not ever bringing my cars back to a dealer. I spent $60.00 for a oil change and they couldn't even check the level. I think MR Goodwrench should go back to an old school shop for trainning. In my opinion any good mechanic these days can make more money on there own and the guys that can't end up in dealerships as part replacers. Thanks for letting me get that off of my chest!!! I feel better now.

I agree. Chevy dealers have very high labor prices. The least they could to is fill your motor up to the proper oil level.

**WhalePirot** · 05-09-04, 01:01 PM

The first step, on their part. Would you expect anything else to be said?

Now, how much fight are you in the mood for? $325 will not go too far with legal eagles, in a fight, so the dealer 'wins'.

Dealerships around here have a hard time getting and keeping talent. They seem to be training grounds for newer mechanics, for the large part. This is true with the oft moving wrenchers at high-end import as well as domestic dealerships.

taegdh · 05-09-04, 02:18 PM

Yes you're darn tootin putting the extra oil can cause problems.

These engines are designed to not splash the oil, and the extra oil in the crank case causes that, (hence the poor performance). The high oil will also allow oil to seep through the crankcase seal. (The seal is designed for residual oil to coat the seal and maintain contact with the crank.) Too much oil and the seal will erode. They aren't designed for continuous contact with petroleum.

Racing teams frequently put the extra oil in, because of the g forces in cornering, but it doesn't remain in contact with the seal for extended periods of time, we're talking maybe an hour before the race. NHRA guys put it in ten minutes before the pass, and it comes out a mile later.....

On top of the

**CKA_Racing** · 05-09-04, 09:16 PM

I always run with 1/2 to 3/4 overfill due to the fact that I autocross. I leave it at that level. I have never had any issues with this for the last six years in my 91 L98 and my 96 LT4.

**Zixxer** · 05-10-04, 07:48 AM

3/4 inch is not going to cause problems. Your seal was likely already on it's way to needing replacement. While cleaning the area to replace the OptiSpark and pump it's probable that the seal area was cleaned the build-up that previously contained any seeping. With that said, I would have replaced that seal anyways to avoid the future cost if my engine had over 50k on it. Not saying it would be bad at the time, just giving myself insurance for additional miles.