VWTypeIEngineOil

The engine oil level is checked with a dipstick. The dipstick is located on the right side, at the rear of the engine. The oil level should be checked preferably before the vehicle has been driven, or about 15 minutes after the engine has been shut off. If the oil is checked immediately after driving, some of the oil may remain in the upper engine components, resulting in an inaccurate reading on the dipstick.

Pull the dipstick from the tube and wipe all the oil from the end with a clean rag.

Insert the clean dipstick all the way back into the tube and pull it out again.

Observe the oil at the end of the dipstick. Ideally the oil should be at, or just below the Max mark on the dipstick. If necessary, add oil of the recommended grade to bring it up to this level.

It takes approximately one quart of oil to raise the level from the Lower mark to the Max mark on the dipstick. Do not allow the level to drop below the Lower mark as this may cause engine damage due to oil starvation. On the other hand, do not overfill the engine by adding oil above the Max mark as this may result in oil-fouled spark plugs, oil leaks or oil seal failures.

A twist-off oil cap is attached to a filler tube to the right of the generator. An oil can spout or funnel will reduce spills as the oil is poured in.

Checking the oil level can also be a step toward preventative maintenance. If you find the oil level dropping abnormally, this an indication of oil leakage or internal engine wear which should be corrected. The condition of the oil can also be checked along with the level. While the dipstick is out of the engine, wipe the oil up the dipstick with your thumb and index finger. Look for small dirt or metal particles clinging to the dipstick. Their presence is an indication that the oil should be drained and fresh oil added.

From air-cooled engines Tune-up and Maintenance guide