mikdys

Dealer only filled the engine with 4 out of the 5 litres I supplied and I didn't notice until I got home (50 VTEC miles later). Do you think this will have done any damage?

oryanh

I think the risk you run is oil starvation during high stress.
I'm no mechanic, but I have a friend who is and all 11 Honda's he's owned he runs one quart low to reduce crank windage. I think you can relax.

natedoggs2k

Depending on the oil you use and the way you drive, you can easily burn one quart of oil every 3000 miles (or less). I don't think you should have any problems.

Go back to the dealer and have them top you off. Tell them they should know better and demand a free oil change the next time around, with the correct amount of oil upon fill up.

mikdys

Thanks for your advice guys, I'll stop worrying! (I know the engine burns oil and I usually get about 2,000 miles/litre but I only let the level drop 2-3mm max before topping the level up).

I'll see what the dealer has to say for himself tomorrow (but one thing is for sure I won't ever use him again - I wonder if there is a good dealer anywhere in the UK? Third time lucky maybe!)

chris_barry

Get the oil filter cut open. They actually make tools like giant pipe cutters which you can get from speed shops. If there is any metal inside the filter its a sign of damage. If its non-magnetic it is either aluminium or bearing material.

Its worthwhile inspecting the filter at every oil change to monitor ongoing wear and tear.

If you are worried, put on a new filter and topup the oil and inspect it now.

Speedracer

slipstream444

Good advice. Perhaps a little on the overkill side of things, but definetely will ensure there is no question as to the health of the engine. Also, send off the oil for analysis. This might also indicate an increased level of wear or damage.

(BTW, where do you buy that oil filter cutter-open tool again?)

In all seriousness, the risk of damage is not high, unless you went out and drove the car hard or on the track during that time period. You perhaps increased the rate of wear over that 50 mile period, but unless you observed some secondary indications of oil system problems (high temp/over heating, rough engine operation, loud valve train noise ... etc.), you should be okay.

This is another reason I change my own oil and use a quality synthetic (Amsoil Euro 5W40) and check my oil regularly.