ZX 1.4i oil change issues

[GMZX]

Hi I changed the oil in my ZX yesterday. Officially it takes 3.5 litres. I initially put in 3L and ran it for 10 secs and when I checked the dipstick it was way over. Drained some out again and the dipstick went to just under the max level mark.

I then left the car overnight after driving home from the workshop and when I checked it again this morning it was over the max by about 5mm.

I’d only filled the car then with about 2.5L of oil after draining some out.

This is very strange. Anyone any ideas why it won’t take the correct amount? Some sludge in the sump perhaps ?

[GiveMeABreak]

Don't forget that the quantity on your model is:

After draining: 3,2 litres
After oil and filter cartridge change: 3,5 litres
Between min and max: 1,4 litre

Obviously you are going to have some oil in the system. This is the correct procedure for draining and refilling:

1	Vehicle on a level surface
2	Engine hot (oil temperature 80 °C)
3	Draining of the oil sump + removal of the cartridge (duration of draining + drip-drying = 15 minutes)
4	Refitting of plug + cartridge
5	Refilling of the engine
6	Starting the engine (allowing the cartridge to be filled up)
7	Engine stopped (allow to stabilise for 5 minutes)

[GMZX]

Thanks.

Pretty much did all that. Had a cup of tea after draining and removing the filter.

[SwissTony]

Maybe it's got the wrong dipstick for the engine in? I've seen this before on one of those 1360cc motors.