Table of contents: Checking the engine oil level ↓ Changing engine oil and oil filter ↓ Checking valve clearances ↓ Replacing the timing belt ↓
Perform the following procedures at the intervals given in Section "Maintenance" at the beginning of this Guide.
Checking the engine oil level
1. Warm up the engine to normal operating temperature.
2. Shut off and wait 2-3 minutes to allow the oil to drain into the pan.
3. Wipe the oil dipstick clean, insert it completely and remove it again.
4. The level should be between the "L" and "H" marks (Figure 1.2).
Figure 1.2. Marking of the engine oil dipstick
5. If refilling is necessary, add good quality oil of the specified type through the filler neck in the valve cover (photo).
2.5 Topping up engine oil
6. Do not start the engine with the oil level below "L" or above "H"; this may result in engine failure.
7. Install the valve cover plug and oil level dipstick in the same place.
Changing engine oil and oil filter
8. On T12 Turbo models, oil is changed more frequently than on other models.
9. Always warm up the engine to normal operating temperature before changing the engine oil.
10. When changing the oil, it is recommended to lift the front of the vehicle.
11. Before starting work on changing the oil, put on gloves or apply a good protective cream on your hands, and after finishing the work, wash your hands thoroughly.
12. Unscrew and remove the plug on the valve cover.
13. Place a suitable container under the engine, unscrew the drain plug in the pan (photo).
2.13 Engine oil drain plug in the sump
14. Let the oil drain, clean the drain plug, reinstall it. Replace the gasket if necessary.
15. Unscrew the oil filter (photo).
2.15 Location of engine oil filter (bottom view)
16. If the old filter is too tight and won't come off, drive a screwdriver into the filter housing and use it as a lever to unscrew the filter.
17. Clean the filter mounting protrusion on the crankcase, lubricate the rubber O-ring seal of the new filter with oil.
18. Screw the filter tightly to the O-ring, tighten it by hand two thirds of a turn (Figure 1.3).
Figure 1.3 Compressing the engine oil filter (Chapter 2)
19. Fill the engine with oil, install the filler cap, start the engine.
20. Check for leaks around the filter seal and drain plug; eliminate if necessary.
21. Stop the engine when it is fully warmed up and check the oil level (see above); add if necessary.
Checking valve clearances
22. Look Chapter 4.
Replacing the timing belt
23. Look Chapter 5.