Fiesta Zetec-S Oil overfill

[Fourmotion]

A friend has just told me his oil level is high on his Fiesta Zetec-S diesel. He said it was serviced in January, and its the first time he's checked the oil since. He only checked it as it seemed to be leaking something oily on to his drive way.

Not having a clue mechanically, even less so about diesels, can someone answer a couple of questions?

Firstly, what damage can overfilling oil in a diesel do? (Any different to a petrol?)

Secondly, why hasn't it burnt off the excess by now? Or could Ford have really overfilled it in the first place? (He's done around 12000 miles since January)

Thirdly, assuming it wasn't overfilled, how could it now appear to have too much in it? Could something be leaking in?

Any answers greatly appreciated, as I haven't really got a clue!

[Jon GT2]

It can be difficult to get an accurate reading on those with the plastic dipsticks as oil tends to collect around the top of the tube,so its not unusual to get a high reading.I would ask the Ford dealer to recheck it just to be sure as it is possible it was overfilled,as you rightly point out it will burn some off but if it is overfilled it needs to be drained to the correct level as it can cause oil pressure problems among other undesirable side effects.

If it was 12,000 miles since his last service its almost due again anyway.(12,500 miles or one year between services whichever comes first)

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Edited by Jon GT2 on Tuesday 17th July 14:24