After overfilling the oil the engine idles rough and wants to stall when transmission is shifted into gear

LARRY NASON

MEMBER
1996 TOYOTA CAMRY
2.2L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
200,000 MILES

My neighbor over filled his car with almost five quarts of oil and now his car idles rough and wants to stall when put into gear but seems to do fine in park or neutral. What should he do? Will this go away after driving a while or does more need to be done? It has the correct amount of oil in it now.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Hi,

Is the check engine light staying on while the engine is running? If so, the first thing to do is have the computer scanned for diagnostic trouble codes. Most parts stores will do it free of charge if you don't have a scanner. If you have access to one, here is a quick video showing how it's done:

https://youtu.be/b2IJGfImVvw

As far as overfilling the oil, that can cause issues specifically to the crankshaft bearings, cam bearings, connecting rod bearing, and so on. When there is too much oil in the engine, what happens (especially with 5 quarts too much) is the crankshaft when spinning comes into contact with the oil basically aerating it. When this happens, the oil can't properly lubricate bearings and other essential parts.

Here is what I need you to do. Record the engine cranking and running and upload it for me to hear. I may be able to tell what may have happened.

Let me know.

Joe