Rising Oil Level (1.9 JTD)

[Lee]

Hi,

I changed the oil in my car over three months ago and the oil level has been fine but since yesterday I have been getting "High Oil" displayed on my dash.

I have since checked the dipstick and my oil has now risen over the max mark.

Has any one had this problem before or has any clue what it might be. I have read some random forums (but not fiat or bravo forums) and people are saying it may be the head gasket but there is no sign of water.

Any help gratefully appreciated.

Lee

P.S. Also if any one knows a useful garage in the Medway area (don't really want to drive the car too far if it is a serious problem which it sounds like)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiat Bravo 1.9JTD Broom Yellow!

 

[Anonymous]

Did you change the oil filter too?

Any difference in engine noise since you noticed this?

 

[Lee]

I changed all the filters etc. before it went in for its last MOT and done 1000miles since.

There has been no notable noises coming from the engine. I occasionally get a hissing kind of noise which is relatively new but I thought I was due to wind as it is intermittent.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiat Bravo 1.9JTD Broom Yellow!

 

[Anonymous]

Hissing is not good. Possible leaking boost pipe or could be high build up of pressure in the engine escaping? Noticed any engine leaks?

However, is the sensor not faulty. I.e. is the dip stick level high aswell?

What oil did you use? Could be the oil.

I would try an engine flush with some cheap oil to make sure all the oil and gunk is cleaned out properly and then refill with better quality oil and see how it goes. Could be a blockage somewhere?

Have you tried removing some of the excess oil to get the oil level to a safe reading and running the car for a bit and see how it goes? Then check regularly to see if it goes up or down?

 

[Lee]

The dip stick is also reading high so its not the sensor.

I haven't seen any leaks from the engine and its running normally which makes it more confusing.
I will have a proper check round tonight to see if I can see anything out the ordinary with regard to leaks.

What happens if flushing it through is not the answer?

Lee

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiat Bravo 1.9JTD Broom Yellow!

 

[Anonymous]

If you can test the oil pump etc, that may give you some clues to whats going on.

 

[Anonymous]

Either way, good luck. Hope you sort it.

 

[Lee]

How would I test the oil pump?

Lee

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiat Bravo 1.9JTD Broom Yellow!

 

[Anonymous]

The only explanation of the oil level rising is that there is more liquid there than the last time you took the measurement. It's not water you say, Then it must be diesel oil as there are no other liquids present in the engine

 

[Lee]

If this is the case,where is this oil coming from? What would be allowing this to happen?

If this oil in mixing with my normal oil, what is happening to the place in which it should be?

I'm guessing but it sounds complicated, and thus would be quite expensive to resolve?

Lee



-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiat Bravo 1.9JTD Broom Yellow!

 

[Anonymous]

A compression test should give you an indication of the state of the rings, Maybe it is getting into the sump that way, It will only be a tiny ammount each time but at 3,000 rpm it could add up

 

[Lee]

This high oil first occurred following a 15mile motorway drive which at 70mph is about 2500rpm which is about as much as I go as paranoid about losing my license, would this cause enough pressure?

Can a comprehension test be done by anyone or is the kit expensive...i really have no idea.

Lee

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiat Bravo 1.9JTD Broom Yellow!

 

[Anonymous]

As you will probably only use it once it would be as well to let the garage do it, any garage can do it for you

 

[Lee]

hi,

I have posted a similar message on another forum and it has been mentioned that I should smell the dipstick and see if it smells of diesel.

When I did this it smelt like bbq lighting fluid which apparently is a bad smell. Having this smell in the oil means nothing to me.

Does anyone know if this smell actually means an injector has gone (or along those lines) and if so how big a job is this and how do I know for certain and has anyone had the problem and has a rough price that they paid?

Lee

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiat Bravo 1.9JTD Broom Yellow!

 

[Anonymous]

It does sound like you have diesel in the oil, the only way for this to get there is past the piston rings and into the sump.

 

[Lee]

I have since spoken to a couple of garages and they have both told me from the description that it sounds like an injector fault.

Both garages have come up with roughly the same price of £400.00 plus VAT if it is a smooth job to do (really hoping it is). This is the price to replace an injector is faulty after the diagnostics has been completed.

Does this price sound normal to anyone who has had the same problem?

Lee

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiat Bravo 1.9JTD Broom Yellow!

 

[Anonymous]

It sounds like a lot of money, but injectors for the JTD cost around £100 each. Try testing your injectors yourself using an injector kit similar to this...http://www.justoffbase.co.uk/VS2046-SEALEY. You'll then know if its the injectors. But shouldn't they trigger the engine management light if they are faulty?

Could be the piston rings as mentioned above, you don't want to spend £400 plus VAT on injectors etc to later discover that, that wasn't the problem.

 

[Lee]

The garage that I am intending on using undertake a full diagnostic test on the injectors, which once complete I have asked them to contact me to let me know the situation.

If it is not the injectors it could only be faulty piston rings...is that right? I haven't had the engine management light come up yet.

Lee

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiat Bravo 1.9JTD Broom Yellow!