Oil level / Dipstick question

Weedle · Post by **Weedle** » Sat Feb 18, 2006 5:16 pm

Just done the oil change on my 1.4 16v x-reg polo

filled up with approx 2.5L of oil and it has filled over the mark on the dipstick !! i was of the understanding it would be about 4 Litres of oil to fill it up after an oil change !!

have i overfilled it ??

or is there something wrong to make the dipstick read incorrectly ??

any help would be appreciated as i am v. new to servicing the car myself
( next is brake discs and pads - what fun will i have with them ??)

Cheers

polopowah · Post by **polopowah** » Sat Feb 18, 2006 6:27 pm

if it is reading above the mark on the dipstick then yes you have over-filled it slightly, i wouldn't worry too much.
its the same with the coolant if you over-fill that it can expand as the car is driven and rise.

-Ben-

paulzpolo · Post by **paulzpolo** » Sat Feb 18, 2006 7:15 pm

DO NOT DRIVE YOUR CAR WITH TOO MUCH OIL

if you do you run the risk of damage to your engine,why do you think that there is a maxium mark on the dipstick and also a minimum!

did you clean the dipstick before you put the new oil in, if not clean it and dip again,but 2.5 litres isnt enough to over fill,unless you didnt drain the sump?

Tris · Post by **Tris** » Sat Feb 18, 2006 9:27 pm

Have you started it yet?

If not, start it!

The oil needs to circulate into the filter before you can get an accurate reading.

To me, 2.5L doesn't sound like enough to over fill it

But then, I'm used to working on Jeeps that take 4, 6...even 8.5 litres

Edit, also..not being funny but the car is parked on level ground, right?

Weedle · Post by **Weedle** » Sat Feb 18, 2006 9:45 pm

Well i did clean the dipstick and start it and it runs fine no probs no leaks and i drained at least 3 litres of oil out of the sump theres a new filter and sump plug on so i have no ideas ??

i know polos are small but 2.5L ??? to over fill ?? it seems a bit funny !!

Its all good and the level has gone down its now at max - i guess it needed to circulate a bit !

Next up is pads and discs any ideas - shall i get grooved drilled standard ??
theres no alloys yet but will be soon would like advice as i am fitting them myself and dont want a mare !!

cheers

Tris · Post by **Tris** » Sat Feb 18, 2006 11:12 pm

Just keep an eye on the dipstick and it'll be fine. I'm guessing you're checking it while cold with the engine off right?

As for the brakes, I've heard Pagid pads are meant to be good combined with Brembo Max discs (or something like that) but have no experience of them myself, will be upgrading my discs/pads soon though so we'll see.

mysteryboy · Post by **mysteryboy** » Sat Feb 18, 2006 11:57 pm

If you've drained it 2.5l isn't enough to reach the max (as said above)
I did this last week (when i say "i" i mean the mechanic lol) and poured about 4l which made it just the right level.... (so that should give you a rough idea how much oil you need)...

Everything else has been covered above... turn the car on & leave it a few mins.... or go for a short gentle drive.... go have your dinner & check the level again...

paulzpolo · Post by **paulzpolo** » Sun Feb 19, 2006 7:47 am

have had ebc green stuff pads and there drilled discs on most of my cars, no problems at all plus you dont get brake dust on your alloys when you fit them!

also played with tarox monza very good buget disc theres are drilled and grooved also with ebc green pads

the green stuff pads are good for everyday trashing, red stuff pads are for more track day, faster heavier cars, black stuff pads ( for grandads ) more like standard with less dust

paulzpolo · Post by **paulzpolo** » Sun Feb 19, 2006 7:57 am

if you get round to fitting your own discs, make sure when you remove the old discs clean the hub with emery cloth or similer, spray with brake cleaner so that theres no rust or debris and apply small amount of copper grease to hub and bolt flange to stop alloys sticking

also clean calipers and new brake discs with brake cleaner, rough up both sides of new discs with sand paper to remove protective film and spray with brake cleaner also apply small amount of copper grease to back sides of pads to stop brake squeal

brake cleaner rules ok!!!!!!!

Weedle · Post by **Weedle** » Sun Feb 19, 2006 4:10 pm

mysteryboy wrote:If you've drained it 2.5l isn't enough to reach the max (as said above)
I did this last week (when i say "i" i mean the mechanic lol) and poured about 4l which made it just the right level.... (so that should give you a rough idea how much oil you need)...

Everything else has been covered above... turn the car on & leave it a few mins.... or go for a short gentle drive.... go have your dinner & check the level again...

oil now at half of the dipstick so im adding another 1-2 litres to make sure its full up

as for the discs and pads i think ill go for brembos for the discs and ebc green stuff for the pads !!

cheers for all your help guys

no doubt that after or during my attempt at doing the brakes i iwll no doubt be back on here with another problem !!

paulzpolo · Post by **paulzpolo** » Sun Feb 19, 2006 7:10 pm

not a problem were all here to help and advise each other, and to take the pee lol

polopowah · Post by **polopowah** » Mon Feb 20, 2006 10:58 pm

paulzpolo wrote:not a problem were all here to help and advise each other, and to take the pee lol

aslong as you don't take the pee too much and then end up coming face to face at a meet/show

-Ben-

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