MD11C Oil Levels

[CPD]

Not sure if this is engine specific, or a more general question, but what are the implications of running an engine with TOO MUCH oil. The implications of too little are clear, but what happens if the level is higher than the stick recommends ??

 

[theotter]

Engine specific! This is not actually answering your question but it might address the problem I think you may be having. The oil system on your engine works on a vacuum system which can create a vacuum withinin the dipstick housing tube. This can hold the oil up to a an artificially high level and and will give you a false reading. Dont know if it is intended to do that but it certainly happened on mine leading to a couple of low oil level warnings before I twigged. The solution is to take the dipstick out and let all settle down for 10 mins and then redip. I think you will see the difference.

 

[vyv_cox]

In general, too much oil can allow the connecting rods to contact the surface, in which case the oil can foam violently. In turn, the oil pump can then pick up aerated oil and supply it to the bearings, possibly causing failure. Aerated oil will oxidise more rapidly, although in a yacht auxiliary engine this is unlikely to be a rapid occurrence.

 

[jerryat]

Yes, and I understand that too much oil can cause premature failure of oil seals as the designed crankcase pressure can be greatly exceeded.

I believe BUkh diesel warn of this in their handbook for example - or used to!

 

[Saddletramp]

Ah! Glad you pointed that out. The dipstick on my MD2 b always shows too much oil. Though I know it is correct as I have changed the oil recently.

In reply to Vyv, I would have though this would not be a problem in a slow revving engine. 1500 rpm is about all my ears can stand on mine.