Oil level with external filter?

[VolkswagenNate]

I have a external oil filter under the fender, ran from a empi oil pump cover. I guess about 3 ft of oil line. What's the correct way to check the oil level? Seems like i read somewhere to check right after shutdown, but that doesnt sound right.

Thanks in advance!

[mcmscott]

The top line is full, the one under it typically is 1 qt. down.
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[VolkswagenNate]

[mcmscott]

[Cusser]

The intent is that the oil level in the engine case when the engine is running, would be at the same level that it would be in a stock engine.

Your task is to figure out how that relates on YOUR engine to the dipstick marks.
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[VolkswagenNate]

[VolkswagenNate]

Thanks y'all. I've got it filled up to the top line for the drive home. I'll change the oil this week and see exactly how much it takes.

[Floating VW]

Here's a picture of where I located my external oil filter, just to give you a comparison:

The lines and the filter hold about an extra quart, so I need about three and a half quarts to get me where I need to be. I know the external system holds about an extra quart because the filter has an anti-drain back valve in it, so immediately after I change the oil, the dipstick reads over-full, but as soon as I turn the engine over and prime the system, the extra quart stays in the filter and the dipstick then reads normal-full, just like a stocker. Oh, that's with no deep sump or external oil cooler.

Hope that helps.
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[VolkswagenNate]

[Floating VW]

Yep, sounds good to me.
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[Glenn]

You're over thinking...

Pre-fill the filter with oil before installing it. Fill the engine with oil until it reaches the "fill" line. Start the engine and wait for the oil pressure light to go out. Check the dipstick and note it. Wait 10 minutes and check again. Top up the oil to the fill line.

Now forget about it.

I assume your setup is similar to mine with the filter mounted in the left rear tire well.

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[VolkswagenNate]

I tend to overthink things yep similar setup to yours Glenn. Thanks for the help everyone!

[Glenn]

[clonebug]

Mine with an external filter and thermostat controlled oil cooler is right at about 3.5 quarts.
I also fill the filter before I install it.
I dump the rest of the first three quarts into the engine. I then start it and let it run for about a minute to circulate the oil. Shut it off and give it a minute to settle....check and add whatever it takes to top it off.
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[Multi69s]

The only time you have to worry about oil level is if you add an external cooler on the roof, those can drain down, any other combo, check like stock.
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[Das67bus]

So if you have an external filter, external oil cooler attached to frame with about 4' of line, I'm guessing you would need about 4 qts of oil.

Does that sound right?
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[txoval]

Old thread, but didn’t want to start another:

Just bought a 65:

external oil cooler mounted above transaxle on drivers side, and filter on passenger side of transaxle...with 1.5 qt sump.

2.5+1.5+1.5

So fill filter, add 4 to engine and run. Let sit and then fill to full mark?

[tattooed_pariah]

Someone wiser will correct me if I'm wrong, but here's my take on it. While it may be possible to determine the exact amount of oil you will need by measuring distances and circumferences of hoses and all that extra information, the EASIEST method is basically this:

Assuming you just drained oil for a change:

- Fill new oil filter and install it (don't forget to smear some on the gasket..)
- pour oil in until the level is between the two marks on the dipstick.
- start engine and add more oil until the level is back between the two marks while it is running.

How many quarts is that? no idea. but I know that allows enough oil to be in the system while it is pumping through all parts of your oil set up.

It's a good habit to check where that level is after shut down and when the engine is cold just so you have reference points for all scenarios. Sometimes I randomly check my oil before driving, sometimes i'll randomly check it after driving. It shouldn't vary too much, but it might. only YOU can know the particular characteristics of YOUR car.
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[raggmann]

I have a Brazilian case with a 2 quart add on sump, a spin on oil filter, an oil temp thermostat, and an add on auxillary cooler with hoses under the car in the air flow. the stock doghouse cooler is in place. 2165 engine.

My question is: how much oil should I run with this set up?

I've heard too much oil is about as dangerous as not enough, but I dont know where the too much point is with this set up...Where's the happy medium and how do I transfer that level to the dip stick reading? I have a VDO dipstick oil temp sensor.

[Glenn]