Oil dip stick is full of oil when checking level

2001 NISSAN MAXIMA
178,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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ROYCAR71
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I did an oil change and put 4 quarts of 5w30. Initially when I checked oil after change, oil level was around hash mark area. Then when i started car and looked again. Oil level was all the way up to handle of dip stick and instead clean clear color of oil it was dark brown. Is this a sign oil is mixing with coolant?

PS: car has a hard time starting and staying on when starting.
Feb 17, 2020 at 10:51 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Good afternoon,

It could be. Did you have an overheating issue prior to the oil change?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolantantifreeze-in-the-engine-oil

How did the oil look when you drained the old oil out?

Can you post a picture of the oil fill port with the cap off?



Roy
Feb 17, 2020 at 11:07 AM
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ROYCAR71
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Sorry the car belonged to a relative and i didn't take pic. The oil was black and thick and sludge. As for overheating, no, she complained of hard steering and car ac blowing hard when accelerating.
Feb 17, 2020 at 3:50 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Black sludge is bad. That is neglect from not changing the oil.

Chances are there is internal engine damage.

Roy
Feb 17, 2020 at 3:54 PM
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