The Surprising Effects of Overfilling Your Engine Oil

Experimenting with Engine Oil Levels

In a fascinating experiment, a standard engine was modified to allow a clear view of its internal processes. The team started by flushing the system and replacing the regular sump with a transparent plastic one. This setup provided an unobstructed view of the oil levels and internal mechanics during operation.

Initial Observations with Standard Oil Levels

Initially, the required amount of oil was added to the engine. Upon starting, it was observed how efficiently the pump circulated the oil. The oil level dropped as it was pumped to lubricate various engine components but soon returned to its baseline, indicating a well-functioning circulation system.

Doubling the Oil Amount

The experiment progressed by doubling the oil volume in the engine. Surprisingly, even with this excess, no immediate malfunctions occurred. The engine idled smoothly, and there was ample space for oil movement despite increased levels. This phase demonstrated that moderate overfilling might not pose immediate risks under static conditions.

Pushing Beyond Limits

Further pushing boundaries, additional oil was introduced, causing visible changes in how the oil interacted with engine components. The crankshaft began to dip more significantly in the oil pool, leading to increased splashing and foaming as it churned through the overfilled sump.

Critical Observations at High Oil Levels:

• Foaming and Air Bubbles: As more oil was added and revs were increased, foaming intensified due to excessive agitation by moving parts.
• Oil Splashing: With extreme overfilling, the crankshaft submerged completely under oil, drastically increasing splashing around the block.
• Visibility Issues: High levels of oil led to reduced visibility within the engine block as it filled up entirely with oil.
• Operational Stability: Initially stable at idle despite high levels of overfilling; however, operational stability decreased as more oil was added.

Consequences of Extreme Overfilling

At maximum capacity, where even more than 12 liters filled up inside, several issues arose:

• Overflow through Breather: Oil started overflowing from breather components due to excessive amounts inside.
• Leakage Concerns: Eventually, leaks developed as seals and other components were overwhelmed by pressure and volume of excess oil.
• Engine Block Filling: In some tests where engines were turned without starting them first showed that excessive amounts could fill up an entire engine block almost instantaneously.

Practical Implications and Safety Tips:

1. Moderate Overfills Are Manageable: A slight excess in your car's engine might not be detrimental under normal conditions but should still be avoided for optimal performance.
2. Risks Associated With High Overfills: Significant overfills can lead to operational inefficiencies and potential mechanical failures due to increased pressure on internal components.
3. Check Regularly: Always ensure your vehicle's oil level is within manufacturer recommended limits using a dipstick check before starting your vehicle.
4. Be Cautious With DIY Experiments: While experiments like these are informative under controlled conditions they should not be replicated without proper knowledge or expertise as they could severely damage your vehicle or lead to unsafe conditions.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaTbfvzNbxQ