Morons Strike Again (Oil Change)

[MrMGA]

I have a '95 Rodeo 3.2L 4WD with 102K miles on it. I recently had my oil changed at the local Econo Lube. After 1,000 miles, I checked my oil like I always do, expecting it to be down about 1 quart. To my surprise, the oil level on the dipstick is about 3/4 of an inch ABOVE the "full" marker. Obviously, the idiots at Econo Lube overfilled it. (I know, I should have checked it then.) There is no smoke, no leaks and the vehicle runs fine. Could any damage have been done by driving it this way for 1,000 miles? Do I need to drain some oil out now?

[surferfletch]

If you have an automatic, make sure they didn't drain out your ATF before you drive any farther!

[surferfletch]

And I would definitely open the oil drain plug and get it to the correct level.

[trooperbc]

Originally Posted by MrMGA

....the oil level on the dipstick is about 3/4 of an inch ABOVE the "full" marker. ...Could any damage have been done by driving it this way for 1,000 miles?

probably not, but not what you want

Do I need to drain some oil out now?

i would, especially since you're worried about it.

i'd take it back. express your dissatisfaction. get it written down on their computer and on a hardcopy receipt. get them to adjust the level. better yet, tell them you want them to do it again.

one thing, though. the oil isn't *thin* is it? in other words, it's not contaminated with gasoline and/or coolant is it? if you're not experiencing engine problems, my guess is no, but missfiring and gasket problems can result in unwanted additions to the oil which make it appear to be overfilled. (just checking)

take it back. let us know.

EDIT ADDITION: btw since its STRIKE AGAIN, has this happened before. you know, it's not exactly unusual for something like this to happen, especially if they were in a hurry and didn't allow enough time for proper drainage. of more concern, so you know for the future, ask to see what their computer tells them how much to add. did they do the filter, too; that'd make a difference in how much to add if they didn't.


//bc

[Ramblin Fever]

You know my mechanic that I've had for YEARS, he's worked on both Rodeo's I've had - every now and then, (as I usually do oil changes myself), he'll throw in an oil change as part of the service, when he does this, he'll throw in 6 qts even instead of 5.5qts.

It's obviously above the full mark by a slight bit, I never fret over it though and I've never had a problem. By a slight bit, I mean, it's to the top of the STRAIGHT part of the dipstick, but does NOT enter the twisty area of the dipstick - if your oil level is reaching the twisty part of the stick, it's too full.

When I 1st moved back to Denver, 5yrs ago, had Big-O do an oil change while they were fixing a flat - truck left the shop with 7qts of oil in her. Like you, I didn't take the time to immediately check the level, as we had a load sitting in the Big-O parking lot at THAT moment - not too mention, I had to drop the boat on the edge of their garage so they could fix the tire.

Three days later, and several little trips to stores and such - after everything calmed down a bit, checked the oil level as an oil leak started to develop; found out they had WAY overfilled it, and oil was leaking out of the valve cover gaskets, coil packs, etc. We dumped the oil and did an oil change ourselves with correct level, waited a few weeks hoping valve covers would reseat themselves, nothing but a BIGGER leak came about, and one of the sparks started missfiring due to an oil filled coil pack.

After my mechanic fixed her up, didn't have time to do it myself, got her back out on the road to a tune of $850 - faught and faught with Big-O; eventually won my case.

FWIW - do the oil changes yourself.

[Cat Fuzz]

Changing oil is easy. Learn to do it yourself. You'r lucky it wasn't the opposite problem, like, they forgot to put ANY oil in or the oil filter gasket stuck to the mount causing a major leak and engine damage. I hear it on a regular basis of cheapo oil change places having to pay for new engine because of the dummies they got working for them.

[MrMGA]

Originally Posted by trooperbc

EDIT ADDITION: btw since its STRIKE AGAIN, has this happened before. you know, it's not exactly unusual for something like this to happen, especially if they were in a hurry and didn't allow enough time for proper drainage.//bc

The reference to "Strike Again" in my original post did not refer to a previous oil change; it refers to previous shoddy work that was done on my Rodeo. Like the guy at Pep Boys who, while replacing my alternator, broke the clips on the wire harness plug that attaches to the alternator, and did not fix it or tell me. (Electrical problems continued due to the loose, "unclipped" connection.) Or the local mechanic who said he would replace the lights on the instrument cluster and did more harm than good. Or Sears Auto replacing the CVT boots and half shafts. (Half shaft popped out shortly thereafter.)

P.S. Thanks to all who offered their advice.

[MrMGA]

Originally Posted by surferfletch

If you have an automatic, make sure they didn't drain out your ATF before you drive any farther!

It is an automatic, and at the same time they did the oil change, I had them replace (flush?) the transmission fluid. I've had no problems since. In fact, the transmission seems to shift better than ever. However, since I am taking it back anyway because of the engine oil overfill, I'll have them check the ATF, too. Thanks.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by MrMGA

I have a '95 Rodeo 3.2L 4WD with 102K miles on it. I recently had my oil changed at the local Econo Lube. After 1,000 miles, I checked my oil like I always do, expecting it to be down about 1 quart. To my surprise, the oil level on the dipstick is about 3/4 of an inch ABOVE the "full" marker. Obviously, the idiots at Econo Lube overfilled it. (I know, I should have checked it then.) There is no smoke, no leaks and the vehicle runs fine. Could any damage have been done by driving it this way for 1,000 miles? Do I need to drain some oil out now?

You should know better by now than to go to a quickie jiffie lube joint.

Not that some of them may be alright but many are not.
DIY it or find a good repair shop or even dealers usually give good oil changes at a good price.
MT

[surferfletch]

Originally Posted by MrMGA

It is an automatic, and at the same time they did the oil change, I had them replace (flush?) the transmission fluid. I've had no problems since. In fact, the transmission seems to shift better than ever. However, since I am taking it back anyway because of the engine oil overfill, I'll have them check the ATF, too. Thanks.

I was wondering if they mistakenly pulled the ATF drain plug instead of the oil drain plug, then filled an already full crankcase. As you know stranger things have happened! But if it's shifting well, then there should be no problem. Good luck!

[redbug]

You may want to think about another oil change... Overfilling can be just as bad as running out of oil... What can happen is the oil gets high and then the crankshaft comes down into the oil, instead of riding above it. Then, the cranshaft starts to paddle the oil, the oil starts to foam, and when it foams the lubrication system is less efficient.. The oil pump can cavitate. Kind of like trying to drink from a beer with a 4 inch head on it. Also can ruin the oil.

My father had a Chevy Citation that Jiffy Lube overfilled... Ruined it.

[Canucklehead]

Originally Posted by redbug

You may want to think about another oil change... Overfilling can be just as bad as running out of oil... What can happen is the oil gets high and then the crankshaft comes down into the oil, instead of riding above it. Then, the cranshaft starts to paddle the oil, the oil starts to foam, and when it foams the lubrication system is less efficient.. The oil pump can cavitate. Kind of like trying to drink from a beer with a 4 inch head on it. Also can ruin the oil.

My father had a Chevy Citation that Jiffy Lube overfilled... Ruined it.

I'm sure everyone has seen this example of Jiffy-Boob at its finest.

Makes you wonder...

[MrMGA]

Originally Posted by Ramblin Fever

...he'll throw in an oil change as part of the service, when he does this, he'll throw in 6 qts even instead of 5.5qts. It's obviously above the full mark by a slight bit, I never fret over it though and I've never had a problem. By a slight bit, I mean, it's to the top of the STRAIGHT part of the dipstick, but does NOT enter the twisty area of the dipstick - if your oil level is reaching the twisty part of the stick, it's too full.

The oil level on mine is barely into the twisty part. However, I wonder how high it was 1,000 miles ago! Remember, mine uses a quart every 1,000 miles like most of them do.

Several people asked if the oil looks "thin" or dirty. No, it does not. It looks fersh, clean and clear. I think that's a good sign, along with the fact that there is no smoke or leaks. At least, none I've noticed.

[MrMGA]

Update:
Took it back to Econo Lube. At first the guy said the oil level was right at the Full marker. After declining my offer to let him use my eyeglasses, he measured it again and admitted that the level was up to the "curly" part of the dipstick. I watched as they drained off 1/4 to 1/2 of a quart to bring it down to the Full marker. Based on the 1,000 miles I had already driven, I estimate that the original overfill was 1 to 1-1/2 quarts.

Overall, it looks like no damage was done. I think my Rodeo dodged a bullet.

[Gizmo42]

I'm sure everyone has seen this example of Jiffy-Boob at its finest.

Is that really where the fuel filter is on a grand cherokee? It looked like fuel pump to me. These undercover guys have a tendency to show how little the know about what they are reporting.

I always watch to make sure they are doing what they are supposed to. I take mine to grease monkey (found a good one near me) because oil changes just arent fun anymore.