Oil level is rising.

No it isn't.

Saying it as I see it Glyn, I feel like the vet trying to diagnose what is wrong with the dog.

We really do strive to be helpful, and unlike solicitors, we don’t charge by the word - we don’t charge at all, so how about sitting down for 15 mins and compiling a bit of a story about the problem-? 
Regards,

Gareth. 

A3 2006 1.9tdi, changed oil and filters a month ago levels were correct,one month on oil level above max, no coolant loss or cream in filler cap,could it be diesel contamination. Bxe engine with approx 90,000 miles no other problems,runs well.

That's better. Having some explanatory detail gives us a chance to provide some assistance.

When you filled with oil did add the recommended measured quantity, or did you simply fill to the line on the dip stick?

Filled to the line on the dipstick.

Fair do’s as we say in these parts Glyn, you seem to be a man of few words, and the details are dribbling through like a dripping tap! 
Questions:- 

When ‘filled to the mark’ during the oil change, how soon after was that level confirmed to be at the mark?

How much is it now above the mark? 

Checked the level approx 30 minutes after filling, level now is about 1/4 inch above the mark. Don’t know what else to say about oil level.Not mechanically minded as you can tell.

Thanks Glyn,

I always re- check the oil level on level ground, the morning after the oil is changed. 
It’s surprising how long it takes for all (in caps) the added oil to get down to the sump. 
Too late now, but…….

If it were mine:-

(1) Check the oil level (on level ground) before start up tomorrow morning. 
(2) If it is above the line, get an accurate mm rule and measure exactly how much above the line it actually is.

(3) Check again after 300 miles or 3 weeks and see how much it has increased. 
If it has then proved to have risen, it could be due to oil dilution with diesel. 
Please let us know how you get on Glyn.

Regards,

Gareth. 

Ok Gareth will do that thanks for your input.

Pleasure Glyn.

We look forward to hearing of the outcome. 

Gareth, re oil rising, changed temperature sensor,gauge staying at 90 degrees,have done 300 miles with no increase in oil level.

Thanks Glyn, that’s good news. 
What’s the reason for changing the temperature sensor, and was the reason present when you first posted? 

Gareth yes temperature gauge was only going to approximately 70 degrees but didn’t think it was anything to do with oil level increase, Engine running at the correct temperature seems to have done the trick.

 

Sorry Glyn but I cannot see any logical connection between coolant temperature now running at where it should be, and that being a solution to the previously increasing oil level. 

Neither can I. Perhaps it is a faulty instrument cluster which A3s of that era were prone to.

3 hours ago, Magnet said:

Sorry Glyn but I cannot see any logical connection between coolant temperature now running at where it should be, and that being a solution to the previously increasing oil level. 

Hi Gareth/Clifford, the faulty temperature sensor would have a massive bearing on the oil level as the ECU thinks the actual temperature is seventy degrees therefore the ECU will increase the amount of fuel injected to try and bring the engine up to the optimum operating temperature, the engine is physically up to temperature therefore the over fuel will cause oil dilution thus raising the level, me personally I would be changing the oil again Pronto as diluted oil causes extra bearing wear as it has now become abrasive.

Steve.

Thank you Steve for that input.

If it is fuel dilution you should change the oil as soon as possible but it's also possible you didn't give it long enough to settle into the sump before measuring. As overfilling is not good I would generally just fill to 2/3 or 3/4 on the dipstick. You can also get fuel dilution by regularly interrupting DPF regeneration cycles on short journeys due to the extra fuelling to heat up the DPF if not driven regularly on longer journeys.

1 minute ago, kevin8661 said:

If it is fuel dilution you should change the oil as soon as possible but it's also possible you didn't give it long enough to settle into the sump before measuring. As overfilling is not good I would generally just fill to 2/3 or 3/4 on the dipstick. You can also get fuel dilution by regularly interrupting DPF regeneration cycles on short journeys due to the extra fuelling to heat up the DPF if not driven regularly on longer journeys.

Sorry I misread your car model, Your's wont have a DPF.

Thank you all for your advice and comments.

Many thanks indeed Steve - completely missed that logic! 
Apologies also Glyn for my incorrect opinion. 
Regards, 

Gareth.