Recently had my 1.4 elegance serviced at a main dealer. I mentioned to them that during the previous service they'd overfilled the sump and a small amount of oil had escaped out the filler cap and onto the engine. They cleaned that up during the latest service, but I can see some fresh oil on the filler cap and when I check the dipstick it is right at max level.

I'm going to call the garage in the morning, but should I be worried in the meantime? Could the excess oil have had an effect on anything?

I'd be grateful for any advice.

If the oil is on the max, how is that too much?

Because it appears that some has already seeped out through the cap. So at some point there's been too much in.

Are you sure it's seeped out? Far more likely some was dribbled when putting it in.

Possibly, but some of the oil is on the top of the cap. If you were me, would you be concerned? Thanks for all your responses, you're a great help.

Chances are the oil was spilt when filling it up.

 

Still, from a main dealer this is pretty poor, surely they have a funnel? Isn't the oil pumped in from a huge container?

 

Is this the second time they've spilt oil on top of the engine?

Chances are the oil was spilt when filling it up.

 

Still, from a main dealer this is pretty poor, surely they have a funnel? Isn't the oil pumped in from a huge container?

 

Is this the second time they've spilt oil on top of the engine?

We had bulk oil in barrels and hand pumped into a measuring jug then filled into the car. However some engines like the 1.4 are desperately slow and awkward to put oil in due to the nature of the filler and baffles underneath so spills can occur. However that doesn't excuse mopping up afterwards. It's why I invested in one of these, can fill the container and then adjust the flow.

Chances are the oil was spilt when filling it up.

 

Still, from a main dealer this is pretty poor, surely they have a funnel? Isn't the oil pumped in from a huge container?

 

Is this the second time they've spilt oil on top of the engine?

Yes it is.

Sounds like it is more difficult than normal to fill up the 1.4.

 

Still, handing you the car back with engine oil outside of the engine is poor. To do it twice on successive services is unacceptable.

 

I'd be ringing them and providing a little friendly feedback and then voting with your feet.

Yeo. Clean up the overspill and keep an eye on it. Next service go elsewhere.

@Tech1e - I'll be servicing the 1.4TSI myself next time and beyond -  thank you for the heads up that it is slow to fill and likely to spill. Can I ask how much the filler you have in the picture was please? Is it worth getting for the DIY servicer?

 

Mike

I aquired it

Have a look first and see if there is a baffle plate under your oil cap. The above isn't essential but when you get 1/2 hour for a service you can't spend 20 mins of that filling up the naffing oil.

Yep that's it, complete ball bag of an idea.

The surround will hold it.

Maybe, remember oil is fairly thick though.

How do you work that out???? The oil is at maximum so the level is right. If there is oil on the TOP of the cap, how on earth can this be overspill that has leaked out??? Definitely spillage rather than leakage -- there is absolutely no way that oil on top of the filler cap proves that it has been overfilled. If there was any leakage from overfill, the oil would be forced out from around where the cap sits on the rocker cover (unlikely too as there is a rubber seal there) and oil would be running from there down the engine.

At worst, complain about it being a sloppy job in that they haven't cleaned up properly - but don't start accusing them of overfilling the engine when that clearly isn't  the case. You've been to a main dealer - if they don't know how much oil to put in during a service, then god help us all, 'cos nobody will.

 

Mike

They definitely overfilled at the penultimate service. What you're describing re oil coming out from around where the cap sits is exactly what happened then. Will try to take pic during the week to show what it currently looks like as I'm not great at explaining things.

Jeez, Guys. Just get a proper 1 litre measuring jug with a bendy spout and take your time! Its an oil change, not an F1 pit stop!

And not a pleasant job if its winter and you have no garage or outside cover LOL! Already have a measuring jug and funnel, but as Tech1e says it can take up to 20 minutes to fill the 1,4 engine, that's long enough without major cleanup jobs as well

Tell me about it! Here on Isle of Skye we have to get a shipping forecast before undertaking any outside work. Like you I don't have any cover, the wind blows your oil drips all over the place and in summer the midges can make grown men weep. You've got it cushy!!