[brinkmann]

Just got done doing my first oil change on my own. The computer says the oil level is at Max but when I look inside the oil-tank? (sorry don't know what this part is called) I don't see a pool of oil or anything.

I would've expected some of these mechanical parts to be submerged in oil. Am I completely off and just worrying for no reason?

[megalo]

That is just the oil fill hole. You are looking at the top of the head - you can see one of the camshaft lobes. From there, the oil drains to the bottom of the engine (the oil pan).

[BarefootManiac]

If you used the proper amount of oil required and the computer shows it's near max capacity, then you're good. Too much oil can cause serious mechanical failure and a big mess in the engine bay. Just picture a BP oil slick trailing behind your car.

[RoundelM3]

Yes, you're completely off, and don't need to worry about anything other than the fact that you REALLY need to get someone to show you the basics about car engines. The oil pan is at the bottom of the engine, not at the top. And unlike a gearbox, no parts of the engine run "submerged in oil". Get yourself a book about automotive powerplants and do a little reading - you'll be glad you did.

[bsamoul]

Gravity will pull the oil down in a non-running engine.

[E36graduate]

Dear God....you're scaring me! Are you serious? It would take about 5 gallons of oil to fill up to the top of your motor...maybe more.

[TheRox]

guys chill...be glad he asked you in a relaxed manner.

[ENINTY]

Originally Posted by roundel335

Yes, you're completely off, and don't need to worry about anything other than the fact that you REALLY need to get someone to show you the basics about car engines. The oil pan is at the bottom of the engine, not at the top. And unlike a gearbox, no parts of the engine run "submerged in oil". Get yourself a book about automotive powerplants and do a little reading - you'll be glad you did.

+1. The scary part about this is the OP did an oil change on an expensive piece of machinery and did not know the basics of how engines work.

To the OP, you should really explain to us what you exactly did during the oil change procedure you followed. What type and viscosity of oil did you use? Did you change the filter? Did you change the O-rings on the filter holder? How tight did you tighten the oil drain plug?

Just to make sure you know, the oil level indicator shows the amount of oil remaining for only the "7th" quart of oil, not the entire quantity of the 7 quarts of oil in the engine. So when the indicator bar shows "minimum" and "+1" it means the engine is only 1 quart of oil low (and the other 6 quarts are still in it) and you only add 1 quart of oil, not 7.

At least the engine looks clean inside, that's the good news.

[Marky70]

That has to be a joke. He must be playing around.To expect the p\oil tank to be full , that is the funniest tthing I have ever heard.

[PeteW84]

ummm...OK

[flawlesskid]

He could have very easily followed a oil change DIY to the letter without knowing a thing about his engine. that's how I learned plus a little encouragement and ass kicking from my pop. Give the guy a break. We all have to learn somehow. Sure its not the best idea to get your first bit of experience on a 40k investment, but a little encouragement would be a big help to the guy.

OP, You did follow a good DIY guide didn't you? if not, we need to know what you did and what you used.

[bsamoul]

Guys, in his defense, if you didn't know anything about engines, you would naturally think that the oil should be all the way at the top, especially if you don't understand how it works.