Jaguar V6 Engine Oil Overfilling Risks Seen in Teardown Video

2017 Jaguar XE AWD power unit removed at 66,000 miles on odometer.

One of the most prevalent causes of engine malfunctions is inadequate upkeep, however, this damaged supercharged V6 experienced a distinct mishap – collapsing due to excessive oil. This serves as a reminder that pouring too much oil into your car’s engine can also have detrimental effects.

The motor is a 3.0-liter AJ126 supercharged V6 borrowed from a 2017 Jaguar XE AWD with 66,000 miles on it. It has been contended that this engine was poorly conceived after being reduced in size from an AJ V8 in order to cut expenses. While this may be accurate, we have long been captivated by its distinct roar and the manner in which it produces its power.

Prior to beginning the dismantling process, the wrecking yard extracted a total of nine quarts of oil. What was the issue? According to specifications, it should only contain 5.7 quarts.

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During the beginning of the disassembly, Eric encountered difficulties while trying to turn the crank, indicating significant harm to the crankshaft assembly. The host continued with the examination by removing the spark plugs and observed one that was damp, indicating a possible contamination of the engine.

Upon removing the supercharger cover, the forced induction mechanism appeared to be in good condition. Due to its use of a separate oil reservoir, it should be protected from potential harm caused by overfilling the engine. Nevertheless, upon inspection, it was discovered that the intake ports had sustained significant damage, which is unexpected for a car with only 66,000 miles on it. Additionally, the journals and caps showed signs of scratches and wear. The presence of metal fragments in the oil filter is certainly alarming.

Transitioning to the street, a pair of cylinders displayed defective pistons, potentially leading to the presence of metal particles within the oil filter. Furthermore, additional fragments were unearthed upon extraction of the oil pan.

While examining the components located within the engine block, Eric noticed signs of deterioration on the piston skirts and markings on the main bearings. In addition, he observed that the rod bearings had been significantly damaged, with pieces of shrapnel splintered off.

If an engine is filled with too much oil, it may lead to the crankshaft being immersed in the oil, especially if it has a wet-sump lubrication system. As a consequence, when the crankshaft spins at high speeds of up to 7,000 rpm, the oil may start to foam up, leading to inadequate lubrication. This can potentially cause the engine to malfunction due to excessive heat and friction. While anti-foaming additives and agents in the oil may help mitigate these issues, they cannot fully rectify the damage caused by an overfilled engine.

This error is common in engines that do not have a dipstick, such as the Jaguar V6 shown here. In the absence of a dipstick, owners must rely on an oil-level sensor, which can present issues if it malfunctions. So, what’s the lesson? Pay attention to the warning lights on your car’s dashboard and seek guidance from service professionals. It is always better to have a repair or correction done rather than replacing the entire engine, which can be more costly.