I was wandering, what would the ideal oil level be?
The level at the moment is over the max. Would it cause any damage to the engine?

- (#7027) Al Bickley, 30 Nov 03 16:07

If you go too much over max I would guess damage would occur sooner or later... apart from the sump gasket blowing, I would be worried about pressure to the oil control rings - the system (pistons and sump)does need to breath freely ... stick to whats recommended on the dipstick as there is no advantage to over filling

- (#7027) chris turner, 30 Nov 03 18:51

Thanks for that. I'll have to drain a bit out now. Oops! I'll have to wait till the Parents come back from their day out in Leicestershire though!

- (#7027) Al Bickley, 1 Dec 03 5:22

Isn't the oil level on the estima/previa models electronically controlled. I thought they have an extra oil tank under 'the bonnet' which feeds the engine with oil if it drops, because it hasn't got the size of sump that the vertical version of the 2,2 TD & 2.4 petrols have, due to the fact the engine is lyinf on it's side.
Can anyone confirm my theory here, or is it only on the UK spec Previa this system is fitted.
If it is the case, then the over filling on Al's car might be down to a faulty level sensor or something.

Regards Rob.

- (#7027) Rob Drinkwater, 1 Dec 03 17:34

Hmm, I'll have to have a look at that. Thanks for the tip, Rob!

- (#7027) Al Bickley, 2 Dec 03 05:30

Well, the other day, I was heading towards Oxford to pick some people up (Aunt and Uncle's neighbours), and as I approached the M40 junction doing about 65-70mph, the Oil light came on and the engine speed dipped a little. Past the M40, and all was normal again, so I thought no more about it.
Today, however, I checked the oil level and it was below the "over the max" level that I had reported (which was now just below the max, which was okay).
So was there a blockage that was suddenly cleared? What does everyone think?

- (#7027) Al BIckley (Bicester), 16 Jan 04 19:41