Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing Oil Overfill

I was shocked to discover that my 2011 Plus 4, duratec with 20,000 miles had been overfilled by about one litre at its service in the autumn. At a Morgan agent !
I drove about 150 miles before the mistake was discovered.
Is this likely to lead to any problems in the future?

It is not good practice you can get high oil pressures in some engines damaging seals. Also it might go through the breather into the inlet.

In general more is far better than less.

I doubt it....

Excess would probably be vented via the breather and burnt in the engine unless it was excessively over filled.

2stroke mix.

You could whip the plugs out to put your mind at rest that they are not overly fouled.


Now you have caught it (and rectified it?) just take it out for a blast for good measure (then have a private word with said agent!)

You're fine. When drained and refilled, they never get it perfect, and 1 liter over on a Ford engine is not desirable, but not harmful. The tech that changed the oil probably didn't let all the oil drain out, and then just added the recommended amount. The proper way to change oil is to leave about 1/2 liter out, start the engine, and recheck, adding as necessary. You'd need much more over fill and then really stomp on it to raise the pressure to the point of damage.

I'd let them know, however, so they can supervise the tech and hopefully avoid the problem moving forward. This is particularly important in services where absolute accuracy is far more critical.

How did you arrive at the 1 liter over fill?

as others have said, 1 litre won't be the end of the world..not desirable and certainly sloppy workmanship at the agent. A word in their ear might be appropriate..

have you only driven 150 miles since last autumn? you must get out more..

I had a modified sump fitted at the last service to my Roadster. When i got it home i checked the oil and found it was overfilled by 1/2 inch or so on the dipstick. Probably due to the modified sump requiring slightly less than the recommended amount.
Took it back the next weekend and they adjusted the oil while i waited. No harm done.

Thanks everyone for these comments. Helped put my mind at rest and pleased to know that I shouldn't have a consequent problem on my trips to Spain and France in May & June.
I know that it was a litre - at least - as the technician who drained it out to the full dipstick line retained it in a bucket.
Sorry really only 150 miles over winter partly due to the December floods and aftermath. It's been a bit rugged up here. However the weather's good now and it's a trip to the pub at Wastewater tomorrow. I usually manage 5000 miles a year all purely leisure.

only teasing you alb about mileage.. mines down too as the weathers been rubbish around here too, but still.. we can look forward to better days ahead ! enjoy your trip to the pub.. I'm afraid its shopping for me.. arghhh

Talking of oil pressure. How is the pressure regulated?
(2011 4/4)