"We recommend checking the oil level either before turning on the engine or 5 to 10 minutes after shutting down so you can have all the oil in the oil pan to get an accurate measurement."
And I just found this was discussed before, showing a page from the Owner's Manual... viewtopic.php?t=44667
Last edited by Bill Lawless on Mon Mar 27, 2023 9:03 am, edited 1 time in total.
Thanks,
Bill
65' 356 SC Cab Irish Green
82' SC Targa
81 VW Westfalia with 2015 Forester Engine
BMW 64'-R50/2, 75'-BMW R90/6, 74' BMW R90/6, Yamaha BW350
I learned that from John Muirs book, "The idiots guide to keeping your Volkswagen alive" back in about 1970. His book is still relevant today and many of his procedures can be applied to the 356.
If I had known I would live this long I would have pushed the envelope a little harder.
Cymru am byth
David Jones #9715
I always believe that checking the Oil level when Hot, just after shutting down, gives a more accurate indication. With Oil in all the bearings, Oil Filters ( Have Full Flow) and Cooling Tower. ( Alloy )
I like to see the Oil dipstick showing just under the Full Mark.
Regards Jay
I prefer to check mine cold and after I disconnect my maintainer and start the car I then check for leaks in the engine compartment for fuel and oil.
If I have forgotten to turn off the fuel and a float valve has leaked and I have fuel in my oil I want to know before I drive somewhere then find out my oil level is way high.
If I had known I would live this long I would have pushed the envelope a little harder.
Cymru am byth
David Jones #9715
Jon Schmid wrote: ↑Sun Mar 26, 2023 10:55 pm
But I don't have to top off the oil as often...
People sometimes ask me why I run my daily driver '92 Civic down to a nearly empty fuel tank. Simple economics: Minimal time spent at gas stations, and on average I only lug the weight of 1/2 tank of gas, increasing my fuel mileage infinitesimally.
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Welcome to the era of policy-based evidence-making.
Service 'biases':
1) Save hours (HOURS!) over the life of the car; fit Vics rocker box gaskets.
2) Plugs wear to loose; start on the tight side of the spec.
3) Valves wear to tight; start on the loose side of the spec.
4) Points wear to tight; start on the loose side of the spec.
5) Sump oil disappears; start on the high side of the spec.
Just warm up the engine for awhile: Then turn off the engine, wipe off the stick, insert it,
wait for a few minutes allowing the oil to 'climb up' the flat end of the stick, then pull it out.
The oil should give you a 'running level' which should be between the lines; If it's @ the low line,
add a quart. No need to add some oil less than a quart.
OR--Best time to do the above is during a gas stop.