oops...overfilled oil

[don777]

Changed the oil in my R300 the other day, and I've put about 1/2 litre too much in (I was in a hurry as it was getting dark...stupid I know).

What's the best way of draining off the excess? I was thinking of either loosening either the Oil Filter or the Apollo tank plug.

Any ideas? Thanks.

[Tango7]

As you have an Appollo, simply undo the feed that goes into the rocker cover and catch the contents with the engine idling over. Very simple and clean to do

[GreenV8S]

Is it worth bothering about? Half a liter is a fraction of an inch on the dipstick on most engines, and unless it's particularly sensitive to overfilling I wouldn't worry about it. I routinely overfill my RV8 by about 1/2" over the Max level to prevent oil surge on track days.

[don777]

Thanks Tango. I'm not really familiar with my engine yet as I'm new to Caterhams. Would you mind describing exactly where the feed comes out of the Apollo tank. And with the engine idling it will just flow out and not spray me to death?!
AFAIK the difference between min and max on the dipstick is 1/2 ltr. and it only holds about 7 litres, is that right?

Cheers.

[gedG]

Caterham's are sensitive to overfilling, the oil will run hot. From memory mine took nearer 7½ litres after draining the Apollo. How are you checking the oil level? The recomendation is to get the oil up to temp, allow to idle for about 30 seconds then dip with the engine still running. There is a FAQ section on Blatchat http://7faq.com/owbase/ow.asp?HowDoI% that explains the whys and wherefores.

[Tango7]

Caterhams are definitely sensitive to overfilling as mentioned above. With the crank thrash, the oil can easily reach the red on the temperature gauge (assuming you have got a sender fitted).

I undo the flexible hose just before the angle union on the cam cover. With the engine ticking over, the flow is very manageable and easy to control. I simply use an old coke bottle propped in place so as not to fall over and put the flexible hose in it. You will probably need to run your engine no more than 10-15 seconds and as its the feed to the top of the engine there is no danger to the bottom end running short of lubricant.... plus its far easier than scrabbling under the car undoing the sump plug and making a mess on the drive!!

[don777]

Right, I'm off out to do it now.

[don777]

Couldn't find my 11mm spanner so couldn't undo the feed from the Apollo tank
So I started to undo the Apollo tank plug instead, but as it came out no oil flowed and I could see what was going to happen.. so I undid the oil filter and that worked a treat, a bit of mess but a couple of sheets of kitchen towel later and it was sorted.
Sorry to bother you all with such trivial problems and thanks for your help!