I recently changed the oil in my 06 LaCrosse and accidentally filled it with four quarts instead of four and a half. After I put oil in the motor, I ran it for fifteen seconds to check for leaks. I checked the level and discovered that it was a half a quart low. Question, did I do any harm to therings, etcfor not having the oil level to capacity and running the motor for fifteen seconds? Also, is the four and a half requirement more for cooling or out right lubrication?


Thanks for replying.

 

The oil level is not that critical; don't lose any sleep! You won't do any harm as long as it's above the "add" mark. And, in fact, you could be somewhat below it for that short a time without harm.


In answer to your other question: "Yes!" The more oil, the better, both for lubricating (dilution of contaminants), and cooling (more thermal mass). However, you cannot go over the "full" mark, because the crankshaft could then whip the oil into a foam. Foam does not lubricate well.

 

Thank you MrBSS for your helpful reply. I want to do what is right for thepowertrain anddo sofor a long time. I did my best to break in the motor the way I should have and lo and behold my blunder.


This is my second 3800. Iowned a1998 Regalwith the venerable 3.8 Liter and it was all but flawless for 130,000 miles. I hope to have the same experience with this one too.


Ladd

 

O.K., but your expectations are way too low. I sold my '92 Park Ave Ultra at double that (260,000 miles)about ayear ago just because I was afraid it wouldn't be reliable. It's still going strong!

 

MrBBS,]


Your experience with your Park Avenue and its 3800 is more common than most think. I know ofothers with a Park Avenue who have seen over 200,00 miles and they still perform well. I sold my Regal not because of the miles, but because I had a chance to upgrade. My mother-in-law has the Regal and she loves it. I always thought that the Regal was an underrated car. I have always thought that the 3800 has been underrated as well.


What did you replace your Park Avenue Ultra with?


Good day!

 

Another Park Avenue Ultra (1997), of course.


I bought my '92 new, and rather arrogantly thought that my superior maintenance was the reason it lasted so well. This one became available inexpensively at 104,000 miles, and I bought it.


So we'll see how much I had to do with it!