I have a 1998 Honda Civic. I'm not sure if to check the oil when the car is hot or cold. I did an oil change myself but since then, I've been smelling a weird smoky scent when I step out my car after getting to work. There's no smoke coming from the exhaust or anything just wondering. I checked the oil while the car was hot and saw it was at the second hole. If there's more oil when the car is cold then I think I may have to much oil. Do I drain it or what? Is the smell from the oil burning?
Always check engine oil when it is hot.
Read manual for exact number of quarts of oil that should be in engine. Usually 5 quarts.
Overfilling is not recommended
should you overfill, looses plug on oil pan to let some out. a little at a time. check dip stick for accuracy and stop draining when on mark.
I'm inclined to think that you've got a drip of oil from either the drain plug, or the oil filter, and it's dripping onto the exhaust pipe and burning. That would explain the smell.
Oil level will read it highest when it's hot, after about 10 minutes off, after oil in the valves has dripped back into the pan. The dipstick reading at the top hole is OK, and does not explain the smell.
The oil can be hot or cold but you have to wait a couple of minutes after you shut the engine off to allow the oil to drain back into the pan. Also make sure you are on flat ground when checking it or the reading might be inaccurate. My guess is you spilled oil on the exhaust manifold when you changed it and it's burning off. If I'm right you'll notice that smell go away after time - but just make sure you check it so you aren't leaking from the filter or something.
Check oil level: 1. Park on level ground or in your garage. 2. Let the car sit for maybe 10-15 minutes so oil in the upper engine drains down to the crankcase. 3. Have a paper towel or clean rag handy, pull out the dipstick, wipe clean,, reinsert being certain to push in all the way, pull it out again. 4. Look at the oil level. The upper mark is the max oil that should ever be in the crankcase. The lower mark is the least amount, when it gets to that level you should add oil. In between is normal.
After checking the level if it has too much drain some out. [Let car sit until oil is cool] Reason is too much oil causes excess crankcase pressure which will cause gaskets and seals to leak. Hopefully that is not what you smell but it could be. Always know the quantity of oil required prior to the oil change! Since the Honda oil engine is designed in liters you will have a little oil left over. As you have learned it is easier to underfill slightly then add slowly to the full mark then to overfill and find yourself having to drain some out, a very messy business. Hopefully you will never make that mistake again.
How to check oil level :
1. keep vehicle in plain (flat) surface and check oil level through oil dip stick available in engine ( available in all vehicles).vehicle should be in cold condition ( atmospheric temp.)
2. there is a 2 mark on dip stick (one is oil level full & second mark is no oil level) , the oil level should be in-between two marks.
How to drain oil :
1. start & warm up the engine up to 80 degree temperature to drain the oil and switch off the engine before drain (after warmed up) because this process will helps reducing the oil viscosity & easy to drain completely.
How to fill the oil:
1. use specified recommended engine oil.
2. check drain plug whether re-tightened or not.
3. Confirm with costumer service Manual about oil capacity.If book not available use oil dip stick reference for oil capacity of engine.
4. These is a possible of burning spilled oil around engine exhaust manifold ( no need to panic as it burns out the spilled oil you may sense the burnt smell because the exhaust manifold will rise up to 300-400 temp.Smell will stop after burning spilled oil )
I'm sure this answer will help to clear your doubt.
leave the vehicle on a flat surface and check the oil when the engine is cool, if there is too much oil just drain some out, also the smell could just be left over oil from when you changed it heating up, it is hard to change the oil without spilling some somewhere, if there is no oil drip then your oil filter should be fine
Drain the excess out from the oil pan drain plug or you'll ruin the engine! The crankshaft counter-weights noe beat the oil to an air filled milkshake. When the oil pump forces air and oil to the frictional surfaces they will overheat and fail.
It's crucial when the oil is cold. Some idiots are checking the oil while the car is running or is hot.
I get that every time I do my Accord. The filter is mounted sideways right above the exhaust flex pipe. Can't be helped.
It would be best for you to inspect the oil filter around the gasket area for leaks.
I have a 1998 Honda Civic. I'm not sure if to check the oil when the car is hot or cold. I did an oil change myself but since then, I've been smelling a weird smoky scent when I step out my car after getting to work. There's no smoke coming from the exhaust or anything just wondering. I checked the oil while the car was hot and saw it was at the second hole. If there's more oil when the car is cold then I think I may have to much oil. Do I drain it or what? Is the smell from the oil burning?
best to check oil cold on level surface
