In my business, we do a LOT of oil changes. Fortunately, lots of people keep an eye on their oil level. That's GOOD. Whenever checking the dipstick, the vehicle needs to be as level as it can be, both front to back, and sideways. Also, if you check your oil just after shutting down the engine, you will have a bunch of oil in the oil galleys and stuck to the crankcase walls, not at the bottom of the oil pan. Conversely, if you let it set overnight, the oil level will be a bit higher, because of all the oil that settled into the oil pan over time. So, it's a little subjective. Basically, with any engine, if the oil level is an eighth of an inch or so high, it's not going to destroy your engine. Consider what the oil level is when going up a 60 degree hill, or side-hilling. Lots of changes in where your oil is located at any given time. Totally confused now? No problem. We all are.

 

Oh - I should have mentioned. If you hadn't started your engine, and checked your oil level, then when you do start the engine, some of your oil will fill your oil filter and the oil galleys, thereby lowering the level where the dip stick touches it.

 

Make sure you didn't drain the trans instead of the engine. It happens alot. What color was the fluid that came out?

 

Seems like this would be difficult to do. The transmission drain plug sits awfully far back. But I'm sure it's happened....

 

Go check the oil level on some new units at the dealer. Bet they show over full.

 

Thanks for the information, I will recheck it in the morning. I thought it could be because the oil filter sits at an angle and when you shut the engine off the oil drains out of it and fills the crankcase with more oil making the level go up..... Just a thought

 

When I got my 900S the oil level was a tad above the top hole on the dip stick. Came from the dealer that way. Thought nothing of it. When I did my 25 hr service I found that I had a small oil leak from around the crank seal on the clutch side. Thought this is great a new machine and leaking already. Did the first oil change and filled the oil so it was between the holes on the dip stick like manual suggests. Started it and let run for a little while. Shut it off and let sit for 15 minutes. Rechecked the level and added oil so the level read just below the top hole on the dip stick. Hasn't leaked since and oil level stays consistant every check. Might be just luck and crank seal had to seat. Don't know. But I would suggest to everyone more is not better. Keep the level between the holes.

 

Well I am one of the DIY's that drained the trans and put in 2.5 into the engine oil by mistake. my oil level was a good inch or more over the full line.

If you did this by mistake make sure you have the correct oil for the trans. The front uses different oil than the rear.