I accidentally put too much oil in my 2001 VW Turbo Beetle engine
while in the city. Immediately after I was on the freeway and
hesitation occuried upon acceleration and smoke was escaping from the
rear exhaust. I drove thereafter at 40 mph and exited the freeway
a.s.a.p. I drove straight home through city streets all toll @ 7miles.
The auto is currently garaged. What could be the problem now...and how
much is it going to cost me? The worst and least case scenario please.
Should I drain some of the oil out I have an extended warranty (5years) and
don't want to tell the dealership what happened or it is "out of my
pocket"...HELP?! I will have it towed by AAA to a repair shop. Finally
the vehicle is over the manufacturers 3 year warranty. Vehicle milage
is @ 25,000 miles. I hope all of this information helps answer my
questions. I am a teacher...very little money to spare.

The fact that it's a VW doesn't really matter much. Where oil is
concerned most gas engines work on the same principle.

Too much oil can cause a condition known as "windage," when the
crankshaft throws come in contact with the surface of the oil in the
sump, beating it into a froth. The oil looses viscosity and basically
ceases to be "oil".  Permanent damage to your bearing surfaces may
result from too much oil because things stop being cooled or
lubricated and sometimes "lock up" if it get hot enough in there.
Worst case scenario: you've burned your engine up.

At the very least the oil in there now is probably ruined. If you
drain the oil, DRAIN ALL OF IT *AND* (this is important) CHANGE YOUR
OIL FILTER because a quart or so remains in it even if you drain the
pan. Then replace them both with what is specified in your owner's
manual.

tutuzdad-ga

I might also add that lying about what happened probably won't fool a
seasoned mechanic. If there is damage as a direct result of oil
overfill, it will be obvious to a sharp-eyed technician.

tutuzdad-ga

If it was too much oil whoever overfilled it should be liable for any
consequential damages.

Check the radiator too!

being that it is a VW does matter, there is NO OLI SUMP!!! so theree
for there is no windage... at least not like the first commemt....
there most dammage that come  come from it is having to replace a fue
bad seals and fowel plugs.. i checked with my Fautherinlaw  and hes a
machinic.. :P

Maybe your father-in-law should find another line of work. Many
Volkswagens DO indeed have an oil sump.

http://www.breakeryard.com/cars/VOLKSWAGEN/volkswagen-beetle-new-shape-oil-sump.htm

http://www2.discountvdubparts.com/parts/parts1/discountvdubparts/wizard.jsp?year=1971&make=VW&model=T2--001&category=A&&part=Oil+Sump+Gasket+Set

http://www2.discountvdubparts.com/parts/parts1/discountvdubparts/wizard.jsp?year=1971&make=VW&model=T2--001&category=A&&part=Oil+Sump+Plate

http://www2.discountvdubparts.com/parts/parts1/discountvdubparts/wizard.jsp?year=1971&make=VW&model=T2--001&category=A&&part=Oil+Sump+Screen