Excessive Engine Oil in a 2015 Ford Mustang V6: What to Do and Not to Do

Accidentally adding too much engine oil to your vehicle can be a cause for concern, especially if you've added 6 liters of oil instead of the recommended 5.67 liters. Will the excess oil spit itself out, or must you take action to avoid potential engine damage? In this article, we'll explore what can happen when you add too much engine oil, the steps you can take, and what to monitor for.

Understanding Engine Oil Levels

The wrong oil level can lead to various issues, such as an increase in pressure, which could cause seals to leak or even expel oil from the engine. However, for a 2015 Ford Mustang V6, it's unlikely that your car will be able to spit out the excess oil by itself. Fluids are essentially incompressible, meaning that if the crankshaft hits oil, it could bend and seize the engine.

Steps to Correct Excessive Oil Levels

Here are the steps you can take to address the excess oil:

Check the Dipstick

First, check the oil level using the dipstick. If the level shows above the maximum, you'll need to remove the excess oil.

Remove Excess Oil

There are several ways to remove the excess oil:

Using a Siphon Pump: A siphon pump can effectively remove oil from the dipstick tube. Simply connect the pump to the tube and remove the excess oil. Using a Turkey Baster: A turkey baster is another handy tool for suctioning out excess oil. It's easy to use and readily available. Draining from the Oil Pan: To drain oil from the oil pan, loosen the drain plug and place a container underneath to catch the oil. However, this method will also remove some of the oil that's needed, so you should add more oil later.

Monitor for Issues

After adjusting the oil level, monitor for any signs of oil leaks or engine performance issues. It's generally best to keep oil at the recommended level to avoid potential damage or performance issues.

If you're unsure or uncomfortable with the process, consider consulting a mechanic.

Why Excess Oil is a Problem

Adding too much oil can cause foaming in the crankcase. This foaming increases crankcase pressures, which can eventually cause undue wear on crankcase seals and gaskets. The excess oil may also be eliminated by the PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) system, but it's still important to address the issue promptly.

For a small amount of excess, such as a third of a liter, it should be fine, but as a general rule, you should avoid this mistake. If you've added a significant amount, such as 5 gallons, it could lead to severe engine damage. One mechanic recalls a case where they had to drain almost 5 gallons of oil from a Geo Metro, a notorious oil burner. The car leaked oil from every seal, and the only way to make it run properly was to add the correct amount of oil.

Conclusion

Adding too much engine oil is not something your car can self-correct. You must take steps to remove the excess and monitor for signs of issues. Always follow the recommended oil levels to avoid potential engine damage or performance issues. If you're unsure, it's best to consult a professional mechanic.