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AverageJoe

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Could Someone please measure their 4cyl oil dip stick? I would really appreciate that. From the tip to the bottom of the orange handle. I did my oil change today and it took 5.0 qts w/filter. Ran it for a few minutes, let it set for a few minutes and then checked it. right at the Full hole. I think the book said 4.4qts w/filter. Used a Napa gold Filter, which is the same size as the OEM Honeywell Honda filter that came off. I did let it drain for a long long time. It just kept draining and dripping. Probly say 15-20 minute drain time.
 
Discussion starter · #2 ·
Now the thing is overfilled. I've never had issues like this before. Drove it about 50 miles today after the oil change and let it sit for about 10 minutes after I pulled it in the garage (same spot where I changed my oil, level 2 car garage) and it's up past the full hole... up to the twisty part. dang it. Can't win with this cars oil level. Starting to think the oil passages are cruded up and oil has a hard time flowing back down to the pan. jeez. so I'm probably 1/3 of a qt overfilled.
 
4.4qts is what you're supposed to use. You said you used more. Buy a bottle. Drain it bit by bit and if you overdrain, just put in some SLOWLY, measuring each time allowing a minute for the oil you poured to go down. Shouldn't go wrong with that.
 
Discussion starter · #4 ·
so I'm .5-.6qts overfilled.
 
Could Someone please measure their 4cyl oil dip stick? I would really appreciate that. From the tip to the bottom of the orange handle. I did my oil change today and it took 5.0 qts w/filter. Ran it for a few minutes, let it set for a few minutes and then checked it. right at the Full hole. I think the book said 4.4qts w/filter. Used a Napa gold Filter, which is the same size as the OEM Honeywell Honda filter that came off. I did let it drain for a long long time. It just kept draining and dripping. Probly say 15-20 minute drain time.
I think the problem might be the "full hole" concept.

There really isn't a "full hole" per se. More accurately, there is an upper mark and a lower mark and you should be filling it so the oil level is between the upper and lower marks/holes.

This is per the owners manual:
https://techinfo.honda.com/rjanisis/pubs/om/AC0707/AC0707O00154A.pdf

Follow the manual and you should be fine. :thmsup:


Additionally, the best way to check the level is it is also per the manual, number 9 in the link:
https://techinfo.honda.com/rjanisis/pubs/om/AC0707/AC0707O00206A.pdf

Let the engine run for several minutes, then
9. Turn off the engine, let it sit for
several minutes, then check the oil
level on the dipstick. If necessary,
add more oil.
 
Discussion starter · #6 ·
I'll drain some out tomorrow after work. Is there a reason why it takes 10+ minutes for the oil to drain into the pan? My rule of thumb has always been 2-3 minutes after shut down you're good. That was on Yoters, Chevys etc. Never had a honda before.... is something I'm missing? Especially with 5-20, should drain back pretty fast you'd think.
 
Are you removing the oil fill cap first?
https://techinfo.honda.com/rjanisis/pubs/om/AC0707/AC0707O00206A.pdf
Number 2.

Generally speaking, it takes about 2-5 minutes for the steady flow to stop and a steady drip to start.

After I've removed the filter, I usually walk away and do something else for about 10-15 minutes and let it drip out as much as possible.


If it is taking an extraordinary amount of time on your vehicle, you might call up the local Honda dealer and ask their service department about it. And if you're really worried about it, you could take it in and have them look at it.

But I'd wait to hear other people's oil draining experience before you worry too much.
 
Discussion starter · #8 ·
I ment for oil to drain back into the oil pan to be checked. When I changed it I didn't have issues. I guess I'm just getting used to this car's quirks. I"m more worried about how I"m going to get 1/2 Qt out of the engine. I've never overfilled a car before. I guess some cars are a bit more fussy with the dip stick or something.
 
I ment for oil to drain back into the oil pan to be checked. When I changed it I didn't have issues. I guess I'm just getting used to this car's quirks.
Remember, that depending on the weather (cold vs. hot) the oil might take longer to reach the pan when colder for example.

I agree it is a pain to top off these cars but I have found that time is your friend. I add some oil (between changes) a little at a time. Wait a while (go do something else) and check again later.

Like the other poster said, just keep it between the holes and don't focus on reaching the top hole. I have found that works best also.
 
Has anyone tried one of these drain valves before? Seems like it would be great to be able to let out a little bit of oil in case of an accidental overfill...

http://www.quickoildrainvalve.com/
 
Discussion starter · #11 ·
That is a very popular valve in the 4x4 Toyota world. I personally never ran one, but many did on the forum. I run Magnetic drain plugs. Just ordered a 2nd one for the Manual trans drain plug. (didn't know the engine oil drain and trans drain were the same size plug). I'll just be very careful and drain it from the plug into a clean container. If I drop the drain plug I'm SOL. lol.
 
Discussion starter · #13 ·
Looks like I should check the oil level after sitting over night, or after having it warmed up and sit for about 15 minutes. Seems to be the only 2 situations that I can get a accurate reading over and over.
 
Discussion starter · #15 ·
dang. oil we'll just start doing that lol.
 
Discussion starter · #17 ·
Ok, got it drained today. Bit messy, but got it done. Oil level is right at the center of the top hole. that's checking the oil hot, letting the car sit for 30+ minutes. I'll check it tomorrow before I head to work after sitting all night. Either way, I've got to be pretty dang close. It was about 1/2 qt overfilled... alot of that ran down my arms, hands and all over the cardboard place mat. I was more worried I'd drop the drain plug and be in real trouble. Thanks for the help guys.

(And yes I change oil hot. As hot as possible, usually drive it hard for 5 miles and pull the plug within 10 minutes of parking it. On this 4cyl though the filter is in a tricky spot... might let it sit/drain for 30 minutes before changing the filter).
 
Discussion starter · #18 ·
Checked it this morning on the way to work after letting it sit in the garage all night. A touch higher than the level yesterday, but it's right at the top of the full hole. vs bottom of the full hole yesterday evening. so I'm right on the money now. What a picky, pain in the but engine for a oil level. jeez. especially for such thin, synthetic oil too.


(This proper oil level lesson has been brought to you by Honda, and your local Asprin dealer)
 
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