I have a Yanmar 2GM20F in my C&C 30. Every time after I change the oil, the dipstick shows I've added too much. I always change the filter & oil at the same time, so I don't think the filter being empty or full has any effect. I check the level after I run for a few minutes. The reading is only slightly above the high mark. I follow the capacity chart in the engine manual (I seem to remember it is two liters). So then I take a little out...of course, now too low, so I add a little.... The engine runs great (1987) and uses a little oil during the season. I usually end up ading some towards the end of the season anyhow. My question is... if I run the engine with a slightly high dipstick reading, am I doing any damage or harm to the engine?
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I have a Yanmar 2GM20F in my C&C 30. Every time after I change the oil, the dipstick shows I've added too much. I always change the filter & oil at the same time, so I don't think the filter being empty or full has any effect. I check the level after I run for a few minutes. The reading is only slightly above the high mark. I follow the capacity chart in the engine manual (I seem to remember it is two liters). So then I take a little out...of course, now too low, so I add a little.... The engine runs great (1987) and uses a little oil during the season. I usually end up ading some towards the end of the season anyhow. My question is... if I run the engine with a slightly high dipstick reading, am I doing any damage or harm to the engine?
No. There is considerable latitude where "full" is
concerned. Remember that if you change the filter and check the oil level before and after you run the engine, the level will change by the amount needed to fill the filter..
concerned. Remember that if you change the filter and check the oil level before and after you run the engine, the level will change by the amount needed to fill the filter..
No. There is considerable latitude where "full" is
concerned. Remember that if you change the filter and check the oil level before and after you run the engine, the level will change by the amount needed to fill the filter..
concerned. Remember that if you change the filter and check the oil level before and after you run the engine, the level will change by the amount needed to fill the filter..
Leftover
If you are using a suction tube to remove the old oil, you are not getting all the old oil out. Therefore if you add the book capacity to the engine, you have over filled it.
If you are using a suction tube to remove the old oil, you are not getting all the old oil out. Therefore if you add the book capacity to the engine, you have over filled it.
Leftover
If you are using a suction tube to remove the old oil, you are not getting all the old oil out. Therefore if you add the book capacity to the engine, you have over filled it.
If you are using a suction tube to remove the old oil, you are not getting all the old oil out. Therefore if you add the book capacity to the engine, you have over filled it.
On my Westerbeke 30
When I got the boat the oil was up to the top of the hash marks on the dipstick which indicated that it was full but when I did my first oil change and put the mfg's 4.5 quarts of oil not counting the amount the oil filter takes and the level on the dip stick went up 1/2 inch so I remarked the dip stick thinking some had replaced the dip stick. Later on down the road while reading the engine owners manual there was a note from the mfg. stating that the level will change for the angle the engine is sitting and the dip stick should be checked and remarked, see what happens when ya don't read instuctions
When I got the boat the oil was up to the top of the hash marks on the dipstick which indicated that it was full but when I did my first oil change and put the mfg's 4.5 quarts of oil not counting the amount the oil filter takes and the level on the dip stick went up 1/2 inch so I remarked the dip stick thinking some had replaced the dip stick. Later on down the road while reading the engine owners manual there was a note from the mfg. stating that the level will change for the angle the engine is sitting and the dip stick should be checked and remarked, see what happens when ya don't read instuctions
On my Westerbeke 30
When I got the boat the oil was up to the top of the hash marks on the dipstick which indicated that it was full but when I did my first oil change and put the mfg's 4.5 quarts of oil not counting the amount the oil filter takes and the level on the dip stick went up 1/2 inch so I remarked the dip stick thinking some had replaced the dip stick. Later on down the road while reading the engine owners manual there was a note from the mfg. stating that the level will change for the angle the engine is sitting and the dip stick should be checked and remarked, see what happens when ya don't read instuctions
When I got the boat the oil was up to the top of the hash marks on the dipstick which indicated that it was full but when I did my first oil change and put the mfg's 4.5 quarts of oil not counting the amount the oil filter takes and the level on the dip stick went up 1/2 inch so I remarked the dip stick thinking some had replaced the dip stick. Later on down the road while reading the engine owners manual there was a note from the mfg. stating that the level will change for the angle the engine is sitting and the dip stick should be checked and remarked, see what happens when ya don't read instuctions
If memory serves correctly
I seem to recall at one of the Yanmar one day training classes I attended, the instructor mentioned not to insert the dipstick completely when checking the oil level. Supposedly, if inserted completely, sufficient back pressure is created to push oil out of the tube. If correct and one is supposed to put it into the tube only as far as the neck allows, thereby leaving a short inch or so, that may explain the discrepancy. Maybe someone else here can corroborate.
I seem to recall at one of the Yanmar one day training classes I attended, the instructor mentioned not to insert the dipstick completely when checking the oil level. Supposedly, if inserted completely, sufficient back pressure is created to push oil out of the tube. If correct and one is supposed to put it into the tube only as far as the neck allows, thereby leaving a short inch or so, that may explain the discrepancy. Maybe someone else here can corroborate.
If memory serves correctly
I seem to recall at one of the Yanmar one day training classes I attended, the instructor mentioned not to insert the dipstick completely when checking the oil level. Supposedly, if inserted completely, sufficient back pressure is created to push oil out of the tube. If correct and one is supposed to put it into the tube only as far as the neck allows, thereby leaving a short inch or so, that may explain the discrepancy. Maybe someone else here can corroborate.
I seem to recall at one of the Yanmar one day training classes I attended, the instructor mentioned not to insert the dipstick completely when checking the oil level. Supposedly, if inserted completely, sufficient back pressure is created to push oil out of the tube. If correct and one is supposed to put it into the tube only as far as the neck allows, thereby leaving a short inch or so, that may explain the discrepancy. Maybe someone else here can corroborate.
Couple of thoughts....
I, too, have a Yanmar 2GM20F that takes about 2 litres of oil. Check the oil with the dipstick pushed in all the way, per the owner's manual (see link, para 3.2.2). I do not think you'll do any damage if the oil is slightly above the full mark on the dipstick, as Ross rightly states these are approximate marks. But what I would recommend the next time you change your oil is to check the oil first, then drain it out, then see how much you drained out before refilling with the same amount -- assuming it was full or nearly so before you started to change the oil. I do this by sucking out the old oil into a clear plastic jug so I can see how much came out.
I, too, have a Yanmar 2GM20F that takes about 2 litres of oil. Check the oil with the dipstick pushed in all the way, per the owner's manual (see link, para 3.2.2). I do not think you'll do any damage if the oil is slightly above the full mark on the dipstick, as Ross rightly states these are approximate marks. But what I would recommend the next time you change your oil is to check the oil first, then drain it out, then see how much you drained out before refilling with the same amount -- assuming it was full or nearly so before you started to change the oil. I do this by sucking out the old oil into a clear plastic jug so I can see how much came out.
Couple of thoughts....
I, too, have a Yanmar 2GM20F that takes about 2 litres of oil. Check the oil with the dipstick pushed in all the way, per the owner's manual (see link, para 3.2.2). I do not think you'll do any damage if the oil is slightly above the full mark on the dipstick, as Ross rightly states these are approximate marks. But what I would recommend the next time you change your oil is to check the oil first, then drain it out, then see how much you drained out before refilling with the same amount -- assuming it was full or nearly so before you started to change the oil. I do this by sucking out the old oil into a clear plastic jug so I can see how much came out.
I, too, have a Yanmar 2GM20F that takes about 2 litres of oil. Check the oil with the dipstick pushed in all the way, per the owner's manual (see link, para 3.2.2). I do not think you'll do any damage if the oil is slightly above the full mark on the dipstick, as Ross rightly states these are approximate marks. But what I would recommend the next time you change your oil is to check the oil first, then drain it out, then see how much you drained out before refilling with the same amount -- assuming it was full or nearly so before you started to change the oil. I do this by sucking out the old oil into a clear plastic jug so I can see how much came out.
I also agree with Chuck
These engines are usually mounted with a pretty good down angle to the stern. Oil that is in the rear of the pan, cannot be easily removed by sucking it out through the dipstick, which is more centrally located on the block. I don't think it hurts anything to have it a little overfull. If it's way overfilled, you can get some foaming, but just a little bit over wouldn't do any harm.
These engines are usually mounted with a pretty good down angle to the stern. Oil that is in the rear of the pan, cannot be easily removed by sucking it out through the dipstick, which is more centrally located on the block. I don't think it hurts anything to have it a little overfull. If it's way overfilled, you can get some foaming, but just a little bit over wouldn't do any harm.
I also agree with Chuck
These engines are usually mounted with a pretty good down angle to the stern. Oil that is in the rear of the pan, cannot be easily removed by sucking it out through the dipstick, which is more centrally located on the block. I don't think it hurts anything to have it a little overfull. If it's way overfilled, you can get some foaming, but just a little bit over wouldn't do any harm.
These engines are usually mounted with a pretty good down angle to the stern. Oil that is in the rear of the pan, cannot be easily removed by sucking it out through the dipstick, which is more centrally located on the block. I don't think it hurts anything to have it a little overfull. If it's way overfilled, you can get some foaming, but just a little bit over wouldn't do any harm.
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