For just the second time ever I took my 99 4.6 to the local Ford dealer to have the oil changed. Their price is about $2 more than it costs me to get the oil and filter from the local store so I thought it was worth having them change it. When I picked up my truck I noticed it felt kind of strange when accelerating and felt kind of rough. When I put it in park and slowly revved the engine I could definitely feel a vibration that was not there before the oil change. I thought it could be a vaccuum leak from a hose they had knocked loose, but did not find anything. When I checked the oil I could not believe it. The level was a good 3-4 inches above the max line; will into the spiraled portion of the dipstick. I took it back to the dealer this morning and the shop manager came and checked it out. He agreed that the oil level was too high, but proceeded to tell me that that was probably not what is causing the rough engine. He thought it was spark plug or wire problem causing a skip. He said they would correct the oil level and then try to find the engine trouble and would correct it if it was something they did or call me if it was something else.

I am 99% sure the problem is due to the oil level, because I am sure as high as it was that the crank was hitting the fluid in the pan. I just want to find out whether some of you guys agree that that is the problem. It is just too coincidental that this happened right after they changed the oil. Also, if the oil level is the problem will there be any long term problems because of it. I drove it probably 16 miles after the oil change. Thanks for your input.

 

It's possible that the excessive oil level is causing the vibration. Excessive oil can wrap around the crank shaft and cause an imbalance. The counter weights are splashing in the oil, than can cause a vibration. Excessive oil being thrown around will get past the oil rings and into the cylinders possibly causing a misfire...vibration.
With the crank whipping the oil it can airate it into foam and cause problems with the bearings and other parts.
No mater what, excessive oil in the pan is bad.

Don't let the dealer perform any diagnostic work. Most dealers make that a non-refundable charge even if they don't find anything wrong, my local dealer operates hat way. Have them correct the oil level and see how it runs for a week or two. If it's still bad, then take it in.

 

I think I'd have drain the excess oil and used it in the lawnmower, or somethin'.

One thing about doing work yourself, you only have you to blame if it ain't right. Saving $2 ain't worth wondering if it was done right, IMO.

 

I think he did the right thing taking it back. If someone ends up being damaged by the excessive oil, then there is no way for him to prove they put too much in it.

 

I used to take my truck to the Ford dealership for oil changes, but they stripped the drain plug out one day. They fixed it with an oversized plug, but it still leaks a little bit. Not enough to cause problems, but enough to bother me. Since then, I don't trust places to change my oil. I do it myself.

 

They aren't gonna admit a quart, or two, extra caused any problems. Any extra cost will be incurred by the owner.

Watch and see.