What happens if you overfill the LHM?

SamWise · Post by **SamWise** » Sun Feb 01, 2009 12:31 pm

My car was flashing the STOP light on fast roundabouts, so I checked the LHM, and found the float was right at the bottom of the tube. So, I topped it up, and initially the float barely moved. I had, however, underestimated the viscosity of the fluid in the cold (it was snowing!), and I poured too much, and watched the float rise up above the top line, by a fair bit (probably almost as much as the space between the lines). I haven't driven it. What are the consequences, and if I need to remove some, how would it be done?

DavidRutherford · Post by **DavidRutherford** » Sun Feb 01, 2009 1:41 pm

SamWise wrote:What are the consequences?

Spilt LHM.

And nothing else.

cauchoiskev · Post by **cauchoiskev** » Sun Feb 01, 2009 1:50 pm

SamWise wrote: if I need to remove some, how would it be done?

Roundabouts

demag · Post by **demag** » Sun Feb 01, 2009 6:44 pm

The level is supposed to read correctly with the suspension on the highest setting Sam. Not at normal ride height. So if you filled it on normal it will probably be quite close to the right level.

DLM · Post by **DLM** » Sun Feb 01, 2009 7:20 pm

There's also an informal and inexact test - the "finger" test. If you can poke a finger into the reservoir and reach the lhm there's unlikely to be any problem with low level...

SamWise · Post by **SamWise** » Sun Feb 01, 2009 8:04 pm

demag wrote:The level is supposed to read correctly with the suspension on the highest setting Sam. Not at normal ride height. So if you filled it on normal it will probably be quite close to the right level.

I did it with the suspension on high, but I overdid it. It's definitely too full, but it looks as thought that's no big deal.

Post by **docchevron** » Mon Feb 02, 2009 1:52 am

Nothing to worry about at all mate.
All it will do is push out what it doesn't want and lube the inner wing ensuring it wont rust!

Kitch · Post by **Kitch** » Mon Feb 02, 2009 6:46 pm

It'll just mess your inner wings

DLM · Post by **DLM** » Wed Feb 04, 2009 3:49 pm

Just don't do it immediately before an MOT........

Way2go · Post by **Way2go** » Wed Feb 04, 2009 4:32 pm

DLM wrote:Just don't do it immediately before an MOT........

VERY good advice!

Changing the rear spheres before an MOT can promote a fail too because fluid is captured in the metal shrouds during the change and MOT man is convinced you have a leak. Only remedy then is a liberal dose of brake cleaner and a return dash one junction down the motorway.

Mike E (uk) · Post by **Mike E (uk)** » Fri Feb 06, 2009 5:48 pm

An easy way to remove LHM from the tank is to use a large syringe.

This is what I use when it is time to change the green stuff.

Mike

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What happens if you overfill the LHM?

What happens if you overfill the LHM?

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Re: What happens if you overfill the LHM?